New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced preparations to use the New York State Guard on Tuesday to protect the correctional officers currently working, the community surrounding correctional facilities.
The move comes amid reports of shortages after inmates took over three dorms and attacked three security guards at Collins Correctional Facility in Erie County.
Dozens of security guards at the facility were injured by inmates last year, Fox News Digital reported earlier.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul said he has implemented many changes aimed at protecting and expanding recruitment of security guards. (Alex Kent/Getty Images)
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The governor also directed Daniel Martasquero, chairman of the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) and senior administrative officials to meet with leaders of the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Charity Association (NYSCOPBA) and said, “Illegal.” We call for an end to work suspensions,” according to a statement, which raises serious public safety concerns across New York.
“The illegal and illegal actions that many correctional officers have been taken away must be over soon,” Gov. Hokul wrote in a statement. “We do not allow these individuals to risk the safety of our colleagues, those incarcerated, and residents of the communities surrounding our correctional facilities.”
The New York National Guard is also helping to search the subway. (Matthew McDermott from Fox News Digital)
If the illegal work halt does not end, or if the illegal work halt does not end, it will be deployed at the DOCCS facility on Wednesday, according to the statement.
Hochul's lawyers will work with the Attorney General's Office on legal mechanisms such as the Taylor Act, which force employees to return to work.
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“This illegal job action involving NYSCOPBA members causes irreparable harm to the operation of the department and puts the safety and security of colleagues within these facilities at risk,” writes Martuscello.. “We will continue to develop strategies to reduce assaults and bring in more staff.”
He added that there is always room for progress and there is disagreement with the union, but urged all on strike to end the measures.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul will speak at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Monday, August 19, 2024. (AP Photo/j. Scott Apple White)
In March 2024, the union agreed to a collective bargaining agreement with New York State to improve working conditions for correctional officers.
Some benefits include increased pay and starting wages for new employees by $6,500, increased position-based wages for correctional officers by $500 to $1,000 per person for downstate allocations, and risks for correctional officers. It will increase the tax increase from $200 to $1,075, providing a 12-week supply. Fully paid childcare leave.
Legal and administrative changes have been made to protect correctional officers, expanding recruitment efforts.
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Stepheny Price from Fox News Digital contributed to this report.
