3 Prison Guard Strikes Happening Now After Lockdown In New York

Update: Since this story was initially published, 2-dozen facilities have joined the strike. For more on this, CLICK HERE. 

The guards are demanding better and safer working conditions.

Being a prison guard is not an easy job. It's dangerous, as they oversee some of the most dangerous criminals on Earth. On average, 11 workers die each year in the United States, but thousands are injured. In New York State, there are over 26,000 correctional officers employed by the State, making an average of roughly $74,000 a year.

The job isn't easy to get, either. It requires a certain level of education, passing a civil service exam, taking a psychological evaluation, passing a physical exam, and several other requirements to be considered.

There are 44 prisons in the state, with 15 being maximum security facilities. The strike that has begun is at a medium-level security prison called Collins Correctional Facility. Located in the town of Collins, NY, which is just south of Buffalo, the facility can hold up to 1,700 people. 50% of the inmates there are sex offenders.

Collins, Elmira, and Groveland correctional facilities are all on strike today, but what led to the issue?

Lockdown at Collins Correctional Facility

On Wednesday., February 12, the Collins Correctional Facility went into lockdown. Several inmates created an incident with officers using illegal contraband. Cell phones were some of the reported items. Several officers were injured in the incident.

The entire prison was locked down, with the D Block, in particular, being a focus. Inmates were said to have barricaded themselves in their dorm rooms.

3 Prison Guard Strikes Happening Now After Lockdown In New York

This brings us to now, as Prison Guards have gone on strike outside of Collins, Elmira, and Groveland Correctional facilities due to this incident and previous issues. They are demanding mandatory body scans for all visitors and all incoming mail. They also want more money, with a $5,000 bonus for new employees and changes to overtime mandates.

The strike is illegal, which their union recognizes. No state employee is allowed to strike and could face severe fines.

This is an ongoing story.

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