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Gov. Kathy Hochul marked the ninth day of the New York correction officer strike by renewing her call for the "illegal actions" to end and urging the striking guards to return to work.Ìý

Hochul provided an update on the strike during an event Tuesday in Albany. The walkout began Feb. 17 and spread to most correctional facilities, including Auburn and Cayuga, within days.Ìý

The work stoppage was not sanctioned by the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, the union representing most correction officers. Public employee strikes are illegal in New York.Ìý

Correction officers participating in the strike are protesting unsafe working conditions, mandated overtime and other issues outlined in a list of demands submitted to the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. DOCCS responded that the demands would require legislative action or violate the contract ratified by the union in 2024.Ìý

The Hochul administration and NYSCOPBA are in mediation to end the strike. The meetings began Monday with Martin Scheinman, an independent mediator.Ìý

The state has "done everything we can to encourage them to get back to work," Hochul said. A judge issued a temporary restraining order requiring the correction officers to return to their posts, but they defied the order and continued to strike.Ìý

DOCCS has temporarily suspended a solitary confinement reform law, known as HALT, after Hochul declared a state of emergency due to the strike. The department also rescinded a memo that would've considered 70% as full staffing levels in prisons.Ìý

Striking officers were told they would not face penalties if they returned to work by 11:59 p.m. Thursday. Those who continue to participate in the strike are considered absent without leave and will be docked pay. They will also lose their health insurance and face other penalties for violating state law prohibiting public employee strikes.Ìý

"We have tried hard to end this — I've had conversations with many, many leaders — but we need a good faith effort to resolve this, starting now," Hochul said.

"I'm prepared to do that. I understand there's a lot of frustrations about the long hours. I have long stood with the corrections officers of this state — more than, I'm going to guess, any other governor — and say, 'These conditions are hard.' I understand that. We need more of you on the job. I get that." 

With numerous officers participating in the strike, Hochul activated the National Guard to provide security at prisons affected by the strike. She said Tuesday that 6,500 National Guard members have been deployed to correctional facilities, including Auburn.Ìý

Hochul said she is grateful to the correction officers who continue to show up for their shifts and "want to get back to work in a normal setting." 

"We will get there as soon as possible," she continued. "These are difficult, difficult jobs. I know that... But people took an oath of office to protect the public. We have to get back to ensure that that oath is kept."