Governor Deploys National Guard Amid Corrections Officers’ Wildcat Strike

ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that she has deployed National Guard troops to secure state-run prisons as corrections workers engage in a wildcat strike. The strike, involving picketing and work stoppages, affected around 30 state prisons.

Hochul stated in a video address, “They’ve already been deployed and are ready to stabilize the situation. I am directing everyone involved in these unlawful strikes to stop these actions immediately. Legal action has already commenced to ensure compliance.” National Guard vehicles were observed entering the Attica Correctional Facility, signifying an urgent response to the escalating situation.

By Wednesday afternoon, Hochul’s office confirmed that 3,500 National Guard members would assist corrections workers with daily tasks such as delivering meals and medications and ensuring order within the facilities. The strikes have severely disrupted lives inside the prisons, limiting access to legal aid, family visits, and religious services, according to Soffiyah Elijah, executive director of the Alliance of Families for Justice, an advocacy group for those incarcerated.

“Our family members and their incarcerated loved ones are gripped by fear of what may happen with the governor’s calling in of the National Guard,” Elijah stated, urging immediate intervention to address the ongoing unrest.

The lockdown procedures have notably restricted essential services for inmates, affecting facilities including Bear Hill, Franklin, Collins, and Elmira. A spokesperson for Hochul has not elaborated on the specific roles the National Guard will perform amidst the chaos.

In a bid to curb the strike, Hochul’s administration filed an injunction under the Taylor Law, which regulates strikes by public employees in New York. A judge granted a temporary restraining order mandating striking officers to end the illegal actions. Those who participated in the strike may face fines or other penalties as dictated by the law.

Union leaders from the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) have acknowledged the strike’s illegality, asserting they did not authorize the actions. Negotiations between union representatives and the governor’s team are ongoing.

Union spokesperson James Miller said, “Negotiations with the State have continued throughout today between NYSCOPBA and the Governor’s Office towards a resolution.” Officers are advocating for improved pay, increased searches of prison visitors, and a rollback of recent reforms limiting solitary confinement.

This unrest follows the high-profile death of inmate David Brooks, who died after being beaten by corrections officers at the Marcy Correctional Facility in February. A special prosecutor is set to announce updates on the criminal case surrounding Brooks’ death soon, raising further tensions among correctional staff and advocacy groups.

As the situation continues to evolve, Hochul emphasized her administration’s commitment to public safety and the challenges facing correctional staff. “I will not allow this chaos to continue,” she asserted. “If it is not resolved, I will send in the National Guard to secure the facilities in question.” The governor’s proactive measures highlight the complexities and urgent nature of maintaining order within New York’s prison system amid labor disputes.