Hochul Targets Striking Workers With Arrest Threats While Ignoring Safety Concerns

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul is taking an aggressive approach against striking prison workers, prioritizing legal action over addressing the dangerous conditions that led to the walkout. Rather than negotiating with corrections officers who have raised concerns about understaffing and security risks, Hochul has announced plans to arrest those refusing to return to work.

The strike, which has expanded to nearly all state prisons, began after officers reported deteriorating conditions, long hours, and the impact of Democrat-backed policies like the HALT Act. Instead of offering meaningful solutions, Hochul has focused on punishing workers, calling the strike “illegal” and vowing to bring legal consequences to participants.

At a press conference, Hochul confirmed that legal proceedings had begun for 380 officers, with state police actively delivering court notices. “The proceedings have started,” she stated, suggesting more officers could face similar action. Her deputy secretary for public safety, Marcos Gonzalez Soler, indicated the crackdown would continue, saying, “We will go to catch every single one of them until they’ve returned to work.”

Beyond the threat of legal action, Hochul has ordered the state to revoke health benefits for those on strike and implemented pay deductions, docking workers two days of wages for each day they remain off the job. In an effort to maintain prison operations, she has deployed 6,500 National Guard members and has begun consolidating inmates.

The strike was sparked by a leaked memo from the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) that signaled plans for additional staffing cuts, declaring that “70% of our original staffing model is the new 100%.” Officers at Collins Correctional Facility were the first to walk out, with thousands more following in protest of what they say is a clear disregard for safety.

While the state has proposed pay incentives and adjustments to some policies, Hochul’s threats of arrest and financial penalties have fueled skepticism among workers, raising doubts about whether she has any real intention of improving working conditions.

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