Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN/AP) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed an executive order on Wednesday, deploying more than 3,500 National Guard troops to secure state-run correctional facilities amid a wildcat strike by corrections officers.
This order by Gov. Hochul is to help ensure the safety and security at correctional facilities across New York.
The governor’s order also provides authority for additional overtime compensation for corrections officers and other staff reporting for duty and actively working to secure facilities.
National Guard soldiers in Humvees entered the grounds of Attica Correctional Facility on Wednesday afternoon, Spectrum News reported.
Earlier Wednesday, for the first time since corrections officers first began striking Monday at Collins Correctional and Elmira Correctional facilities, Gov. Hochul acknowledged the ongoing protests across the state publicly.
During her brief pre-recorded statement on Wednesday, Hochul said she will not allow these strikes among corrections officers at multiple facilities across the state continue.
"These disruptive and unsanctioned work stoppages are jeopardizing the safety of their colleagues, the prison population, and causing undue fear for the residents in the surrounding communities," said Hochul.
Hochul says her administration has been in contact with leadership at the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), and will continue to meet with union leaders to resolve this situation as soon as possible.
However, if this strike is not resolved, Hochul intended to follow through on sending National Guard members to secure these affected correctional facilities.
"They've already been deployed and are ready to stabilize the situation," Hochul added.
Hochul says she understands the difficult challenges corrections officers in New York face do under challenging circumstances, and has worked to ensure better salaries, benefits and working conditions for these state workers. While Hochul will continue to advocate for the vital work they do, she says this is about putting the safety of the people of New York first. That includes maintaining order at state prisons.
"I am directing everyone involved in these unlawful strikes to stop these actions immediately. Legal action has already commenced to ensure compliance," Hochul said. "Do what's right. Do your jobs."
The extent of the governor's legal action wasn't specified, but Hochul on Tuesday cited a state law that can lead to fines and other punishments for state workers who strike illegally.
In a statement released by NYSCOPBA officials on Wednesday, there are currently approximately 30 correctional facilities in which officers/sergeants are participating in either protesting current working conditions inside the prisons or refusing to enter for their scheduled shift.
NYSCOPBA has not sanctioned or condoned these actions.
The leadership of NYSCOPBA confirms they have met with DOCCS officials and representatives of the Governor’s Office over the last two days to discuss the well documented concerns of the members that has led to this current situation.
In addition, New York State has filed an injunction under the Taylor Law, and a judge has granted a temporary restraining order that mandates all striking correction officers to stop their strike immediately.