New York Ends Prison Strike, Fires Over 2,000 Guards for Noncompliance

The illegal three-week strike disrupted state prisons, prompting National Guard deployment and raising concerns over inmate deaths and working conditions.

Approximately 10,000 corrections officers returned to work, but over 2,000 were terminated for failing to meet the Monday deadline.
The strike, which began on February 17, violated the Taylor Law prohibiting public employee strikes and led to lockdowns and suspended visitation in state prisons.
State officials promised concessions, including higher overtime pay and a review of the HALT law limiting solitary confinement, though the 85% return-to-work threshold was not met.
Seven inmate deaths occurred during the strike, with investigations underway, including probes into allegations of officer misconduct in two cases.
National Guard personnel will continue to support prison operations as the state launches a recruitment campaign to address staffing shortages.