New York National Guard Soldiers Face Uncertainty Amid Correctional Officer Strike

New York National Guard Soldiers Face Uncertainty Amid Correctional Officer Strike

As the correctional officers’ strike drags into its 17th day in New York, Governor Kathy Hochul’s decision to deploy over 3,000 National Guard soldiers to guard duty across 41 of the state’s 42 prison facilities raises serious concerns. Insiders claim that this situation poses dangers comparable to a combat zone, highlighting the urgency of the matter.

One spouse of a National Guard soldier expressed her alarm in an interview, sharing that her husband had previously endured combat. She noted that he felt more threatened in prison duties than in war, stating, “My husband has done a combat deployment, like he got shot at, and he never once on his combat deployment has he called me up and said, ‘Oh my God, I’ve got to get out of here.’ But within like, days, he was like, ‘I’ve got to get out of here.'” This alarming sentiment reflects the heightened anxiety of families affected by the deployment.

State Republican legislators have voiced their concerns about the Guardsmen entering this high-pressure environment without adequate training. One legislator indicated that if these soldiers were injured, they might forfeit eligibility for federal VA benefits, heightening the risks they face.

Impact of the Strike and Context

The deployment of National Guard troops follows a walkout involving 15,000 correctional officers across nearly all New York prisons, which began on February 17. The officers cited unsafe working conditions stemming from the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act, known as the HALT Act. This law, driven by the Democratic-controlled state legislature in 2022, has supposedly led to increased assaults on correctional staff.

The HALT Act emphasizes rehabilitation over solitary confinement, yet many correctional officers argue that it has created more hazards. They report being compelled to work exhausting 24-hour shifts amidst threats of violence from inmates. This has turned their already perilous jobs into significantly greater challenges.

Worries Over Soldier Readiness

Unfortunately, the National Guard members now assigned to prison duty find themselves in similarly unsafe conditions. A Republican lawmaker representing seven prisons in his district articulated concerns that many of the Guardsmen lack the training necessary to handle such volatile environments. He stated, “So there’s one unit that’s a unit of military police, but none of them are trained COs, and a lot of them are very young.” The lawmaker described these Guardsmen as physically capable but unprepared for the complexity of managing violent inmates.

Furthermore, several Guardsmen reportedly feel more at risk in prison than during military deployments abroad. As the lawmaker recalled, many of them have shared experiences where they felt safer overseas than in New York’s correctional facilities.

Concerns about the indefinite nature of the orders issued to these soldiers deepen the anxieties surrounding the situation. The lawmaker expressed fears that being activated under state orders means these soldiers would not receive proper health care from the VA if injured on the job.

Official Responses and Actions

When questioned, a representative from the state’s National Guard reassured that soldiers had received basic training for their assigned tasks. However, the spokesperson did not elaborate on the specifics of this training, leaving unanswered questions about the level of preparedness for such a critical role.

In the meantime, Governor Hochul has resorted to threats of legal action and potential terminations against the thousands of correctional officers who remain on strike. Because the walkout was not sanctioned by the COs’ union, the strikers may be infringing upon the state’s Taylor Law. The union has already urged officers to report back to work, amid ongoing disagreements over safety and working conditions.

Rally for Workers’ Rights

On Tuesday, hundreds of correctional officers gathered in Albany to rally for their demands. They called on fellow officers to remain steadfast in their protest. However, reports suggest that a notable portion of them still has not returned to work. A spokesperson from the New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision disclosed that terms of termination and insurance cancellations have begun rolling out for officers who did not comply.

One officer, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, revealed that he had been terminated and had his health insurance revoked retroactively to the start of the strike. He expressed solidarity with his colleagues, stating, “We want this done and over with. We don’t want to be here. We don’t want to do this, but we have spoken out. We have filed grievances… We’ve ignored our cry for help over the last three years, and now it’s gotten to the point that individuals are being assaulted inside of the facilities.”

The Call for Repeal

Correctional officers remain steadfast in their demands for the repeal of the HALT Act, a change that only the legislature can enact. However, Republican leaders like the state lawmaker argued that Governor Hochul possesses the authority to suspend the law temporarily using emergency powers to address the crisis more effectively.

Despite Hochul’s assertions of success in mediating a deal between the state corrections officers union and the Department of Corrections, the discontent among striking officers persists. Their grievances, compounded with continued objections to the HALT Act, indicate a long road ahead for a resolution.

The mediator, Martin F. Scheinman, promoted the idea of a binding Consent Award in a letter tied to the agreement. However, many of those who engaged in the wildcat strike opted out of these negotiations, continuing their protests and advocating for changes they believe are crucial for their safety.

Serious Consequences of the Strike

Governor Hochul underscored the serious repercussions of the labor action, claiming that unsafe conditions have arisen and emphasizing the potential for job loss, healthcare cancellation, and legal actions against striking officers. She asserted a heightened awareness of the risks posed by unchecked conflicts in correctional facilities.

From the start of the strike, reports have emerged revealing that seven inmates have died, drawing public attention to the hazardous outcomes of the labor dispute. Moreover, the ongoing strike reportedly costs the state over 3.5 million dollars daily, as highlighted by an audit from Hochul’s budget office.

The Path Forward

As the conflict continues, providing stability for both correctional staff and National Guard soldiers remains a pressing concern. With mounting evidence of workplace dangers and financial implications for the state, finding resolution has become an urgent necessity. Moving forward, both state leadership and law enforcement must focus on addressing safety issues for all parties involved and ensuring corrections measures accommodate the urgent calls for change.