New York Reaches Agreement to End Prison Workers’ Strike

The deal temporarily suspends a solitary confinement reform law and addresses correctional officers' concerns over staffing and overtime.

The 12-day illegal strike by New York correctional officers began on February 17, citing unsafe working conditions and understaffing.
The agreement includes a 90-day suspension of the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement, to evaluate its impact on safety for staff and inmates.
Key concessions include increased overtime pay, reduced mandatory overtime shifts, and the hiring of retired officers to alleviate workload pressures.
Striking workers must return to their posts by Saturday to avoid disciplinary action, as outlined in the mediated agreement.
The strike disrupted prison operations, leading to lockdowns, reduced services for inmates, and the deployment of over 3,500 National Guard personnel.