Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
NY state corrections department, officers reach deal to end unauthorized strike
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Mar 8, 2025
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
Will Waldron/Albany Times Union via Getty Images
By
Ryan Kailath
Published Mar 8, 2025
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The New York State corrections officers’ union has reached an agreement to end its unauthorized “wildcat” strike and officers are to return to work early Monday morning, according to a statement from the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision.
The strike, which is not sanctioned by the union, started when officers began leaving their posts at two facilities on Feb. 17 and soon spread to more than 25 facilities around the state. Striking officers have expressed concerns about safety and staffing levels, and have blamed the problems on the 2021 HALT Law, which includes provisions that limit the amount of time a person can be held in solitary confinement.
The agreement will take effect if at least 85% of staff return to work by 6:45 a.m. on Monday, according to the statement.
An agreement memo released by the Department of Corrections detailed provisions that would change overtime rules, adding pay and reducing the need for 24-hour overtime shifts, a major demand of the striking officers.
The agreement would limit shifts to 12 hours until staffing returned to pre-strike levels, reinstate and backdate health insurance for any employees who participated in the strike, and establish a committee with an independent specialist to review staffing procedures at each prison, with the goal of improving work conditions.
National Guard troops deployed by Gov. Kathy Hochul would remain in state prisons and slowly wind down their presence as officers returned to work. Troops that remain would do so to help keep officers from working 24-hour overtime shifts, the memo said.
Employees who participated in the strike would not be formally disciplined as long as they returned to work, the memo said.
The deal also rescinds a previous agreement reached late last month.
The strikes are the first major work stoppage in New York state prisons since 1979.
Representatives for the corrections officers’ union did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Saturday.
Tagged
public safety
new york state
Ryan Kailath
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Brad Lander says Israeli forces detained him during a West Bank olive harvest
IDF attacks during harvest season have drawn international condemnation.
By
Ryan Kost
Published Oct 21, 2026 at 8:24 a.m. ET
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
News
George Washington Bridge reopens after fatal shooting; no arrests made
A 46-year-old man was shot to death on the bridge Tuesday evening.
By
Ryan Kost
NYC’s horse carriage drivers feel betrayed as lawmakers set to abolish industry
By
Liam Quigley
Parents grumble as NYC schools chancellor dodges calls for NYC schools integration plan
By
Jessica Gould
Driver found with apparent gunshot wound on George Washington Bridge, officials say
By
Charles Lane
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .