Hochul readies National Guard as New York prison strike grows

• Hundreds of New York correction officers are on an unauthorized strike, forcing lockdowns at multiple state prisons, amid staffing shortages and prison safety concerns. The strike has spread to over half of the state’s 42 prisons, with officers demanding better pay, security measures and a rollback of prison reforms.
• Gov. Kathy Hochul has called the strike illegal and threatened to deploy the National Guard, enforcing the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employee strikes.
• The strike has disrupted prison operations, causing missed meals, delayed medical care and increased tensions.

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A widespread, unauthorized strike by hundreds of New York correction officers entered its third day on Wednesday, Feb. 19, forcing lockdowns at multiple state prisons. Officers are protesting staffing shortages, mandatory overtime and prison safety concerns. The strike, which spread to more than half of the state’s 42 prisons, comes amid mounting tensions between corrections officers and state officials over working conditions and prison reform policies.

How is Gov. Hochul responding?

Gov. Kathy Hochul has called the strike illegal and is demanding that officers return to work immediately. She has ordered the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) to work with the union representing correction officers to resolve the dispute.

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Hochul said the New York National Guard is prepared to take over staffing at affected facilities. She has also stated that she is exploring legal options, including enforcing the state’s Taylor Law, which prohibits strikes by public employees and imposes penalties such as loss of pay and possible termination.

What are correction officers demanding?

The New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) has stated that while it does not officially support the strike, its members feel that their backs are against the wall. Officers are demanding:

• Higher pay.
• Stricter security measures for prison visitors.
• A rollback of prison reforms, including limits on the use of solitary confinement.

DOCCS acknowledged that staffing shortages are a significant issue. A recent directive instructed prison superintendents to “redefine” operations with the workforce operating at just 70% of its original capacity.

How is Gov. Hochul addressing staffing concerns?

Hochul’s administration pointed to salary increases, hazard pay and expanded recruitment efforts as steps already taken to improve working conditions for correction officers. In 2024, the state reached a new labor agreement with NYSCOPBA, which included:

• A $6,500 salary increase for new employees.
• Increased hazard pay and location-based pay.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

Her office also cited new security measures, including the deployment of body scanners and stricter contraband control efforts.

How is the strike affecting state prisons?

The work stoppage has led to significant disruptions in state prisons. Reports indicate that incarcerated individuals have experienced:

• Missed meals and delayed medical care.
• Suspended visitation at multiple facilities.
• Increased tensions due to staff shortages.

New York State Police will provide perimeter security at several affected prisons.

What are the legal consequences for striking officers?

Under New York’s Taylor Law, public employees—including correction officers—are barred from striking. The law imposes penalties such as:

• Loss of two days’ pay for each day on strike.
• Potential suspensions or terminations for continued work stoppages.

State officials plan to take disciplinary action if officers do not return to work.

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What happens next?

This is the largest correction officer strike in New York since 1979. Hochul plans to use every legal option available to resolve the crisis, including mobilizing the National Guard if officers do not return.

What role does the Robert Brooks case play in the strike?

The strike comes as New York’s prison system faces scrutiny following the December 2024 death of Robert Brooks, an incarcerated man who was fatally beaten by correction officers at Marcy Correctional Facility. Body camera footage released in January showed officers kicking and punching Brooks while he was handcuffed.

Hochul has since called for the firing of more than a dozen prison staffers and expedited $400 million for new security cameras across state prisons. Authorities suspended 15 officers and two nurses without pay. At least one officer has resigned. Officials will announce criminal charges on Thursday, Feb. 20.