Gov. Hochul Will Deploy National Guard In New York Amid Chaos

The National Guard will be deployed in New York State to help with chaos and disruptions at prisons. As we move into day three of an unauthorized strike by corrections officers at several facilities around the state, Governor Kathy Hochul moves to deploy the National Guard.

READ MORE: Prisons In New York Are Becoming More Violent

An unauthorized strike at two prisons in New York State has spread. The first strike was initiated by corrections officers at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County and Elmira Correctional Facility in Chemung County. By the afternoon of Monday, February 17, 2025, officers at other prisons around the state joined in. Sources told The Times Union that on Monday afternoon another strike started at Groveland Correctional Facility in Livingston County. According to WKBW, there are currently strikes at:

-Attica
-Auburn
-Collins
-Elmira
-Lakeview
-Wende
-Wyoming

The officers claim that they are protesting unsafe working conditions. The strikes were not sanctioned by the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association. Strikes by public employees in New York are prohibited by Taylor's Law.

Governor Hochul Condemns Actions Of Corrections Officers Illegally Striking

Gov. Hochul made the announcement yesterday, Tuesday, February 18. She said,

“The illegal and unlawful actions being taken by a number of correction officers must end immediately. We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities. I have directed my Administration to meet with union leadership to resolve this situation and have also ordered the National Guard be mobilized to secure our correctional facilities in the event it is not resolved by tomorrow."

READ MORE: How Often Do Prisoners Escape From New York State Prisons?

Less than a year ago, in March 2024, the union negotiated pay raises for corrections officers with New York State:

- Increased salaries and starting pay for new employees by $6,500.
- Increased Correction Officer location-based pay by $500 to $1,000 per Officer for downstate assignments.
- Increased Correction Officer hazardous duty pay from $200 to $1,075.
- Provides 12 weeks of fully-paid parental leave.

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