- Over 2,000 guards fired after failing to return post-strike.
- Strike led to National Guard deployment in New York’s prisons.
- Criminal investigations launched into inmate deaths during the unrest.
- New deal offers overtime, but disciplinary action for those who didn’t return.
- State launches recruitment efforts to address staffing shortages.
Over 2,000 prison guards were fired on Monday for failing to return to work after a 22-day wildcat strike. The strike, which started on February 17, stemmed from dissatisfaction with working conditions. As a result, New York’s correctional facilities faced severe staff shortages. To manage the situation, Governor Kathy Hochul deployed National Guard troops.
“We are pleased to announce that after 22 days of an illegal strike, the issue is now resolved,” said Commissioner Daniel Martuscello. Despite many guards not meeting the 85% return threshold, enough officers came back to end the strike. Over the weekend, the state and the union agreed on overtime pay and other provisions.
Strike Ends, but Fallout Continues
The illegal strike by the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) caused severe staffing shortages in state prisons. As a result, guards walked off their jobs to protest unsafe conditions, forcing the state to call in National Guard troops to maintain order.
Meanwhile, Martuscello confirmed that over 2,000 officers who didn’t return to work received termination letters. “Officers and sergeants who did not return by 6:45 a.m. today have been fired,” he stated. The state set a firm deadline for the guards, firing anyone without approved medical leave.
To make matters worse, the state now faces a significant staff shortage. The number of security officers has dropped from 13,500 to about 10,000. Therefore, New York launched a strong recruiting campaign to fill the vacancies. For now, the National Guard will continue supporting the facilities until staffing levels stabilize.
Inmate Deaths Spark Investigations
The ongoing unrest has led to multiple inmate deaths, sparking criminal probes. The latest is 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi, who died at Mid-State Correctional Facility on March 1. Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick is handling the case. Authorities remain tight-lipped, but court documents suggest nine guards could be involved.
Nantwi’s death marks the second since the strike began. Earlier, six guards faced murder charges after Robert Brooks’ death in December at Marcy Correctional Facility. Special prosecutors are now involved in both investigations, emphasizing the need to closely examine conditions in state prisons.
Union Agreement and Guard Concerns
Over the weekend, the state and the guards’ union reached a new deal that tackles key concerns from the striking officers. For instance, the deal suspends a law limiting solitary confinement use for 90 days, which had been a major point of contention for the guards.
Despite this, many guards still feel dissatisfied with the working conditions that sparked the strike in the first place. As a result, the state will continue to negotiate with the union, aiming to address concerns and improve the correctional officers’ work environment.
Rebuilding New York’s Correctional System
As the immediate crisis fades, New York now focuses on rebuilding its correctional system. Staff shortages have become a major issue. After firing more than 2,000 officers, the state struggles to keep its prisons adequately staffed. Governor Hochul’s administration is determined to address these challenges head-on.
To tackle this, recruitment has become a priority. Officials hope that offering increased overtime and other incentives will attract new workers. Meanwhile, the National Guard will continue to support the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) in managing the state’s prisons.
Although the strike has officially ended, New York’s prison system still faces significant challenges. The ongoing criminal investigations into inmate deaths, along with the staffing crisis, highlight the urgent need for reform. Ultimately, how the state addresses these issues will determine the future of its prison system and its ability to function effectively.