New York State prisons were rocked this weekend as correctional officers across the state walked off the job. Ulster County’s Eastern New York Correctional Facility in Napanoch was one of dozens of facilities affected, causing widespread concern over security and safety.
Officers are protesting staffing shortages, mandatory overtime, and unsafe conditions. Eastern is among the hardest-hit facilities, according to union officials, who note that reliable staffing is crucial for managing its medium-security population.
Striking officers say they’ve been working double shifts with minimal breaks, warning it jeopardizes both staff welfare and inmate safety. Gov. Kathy Hochul acknowledged the escalating crisis and may deploy the National Guard to fill security gaps if shortages worsen.
Correctional officers argue that forced overtime, high inmate-to-staff ratios, and inadequate mental health support endanger everyone inside. The union demands higher base pay and more robust healthcare, claiming current packages fail to reflect the risks of the job.
Because public-sector strikes are restricted under New York’s Taylor Law, officers risk fines or disciplinary action. State mediators are in contact with the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA), and both sides express willingness to negotiate. Meanwhile, conditions at Eastern highlight the broader issues confronting correctional facilities statewide, with families and advocacy groups also voicing concern about ongoing safety.
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