Thousands of Prison Guards Fired After Unsanctioned Strike!

2025-03-11 00:05:45.963

Following a weeks-long unsanctioned strike that impacted dozens of New York prisons, Governor Kathy Hochul's administration has terminated thousands of corrections officers who refused to return to work. While an agreement was reached requiring 85% of officers and sergeants to return, that threshold wasn't met. Despite this, the state intends to partially honor the agreement, which includes forming a committee to review solitary confinement policies and improving safety conditions for officers. Approximately 10,000 of the 13,500 employees who worked before the strike have returned, leaving a shortfall of 3,500. Over 2,000 workers who didn't return were immediately fired. National Guard troops will continue to support prison staffing. The striking officers will also face financial penalties under the Taylor Law, which prohibits such walkouts. The strike is estimated to have cost taxpayers \$3.5 million per day.