A group of Corrections officers from the Elmira Correctional Facility have spent this week protesting outside of the jail, saying their working conditions are unsafe.
The biggest issues for the corrections officers are safety, staffing shortages and the impact of the HALT Act, which restricts the use of solitary confinement and ends it completely for groups including those pregnant, living with a disability or under the age of 21 or over the age of 55.
Officers claim they have been forced to work exhausting hours, including being mandated to work consecutive shifts.
Senator Tom O’Mara is calling for immediate reforms, including the repeal of the HALT Act.
Gov. Kathy Hochul has called the work stoppage at the correctional facilities in Elmira and Collins illegal and unlawful.
The New York State Public Employees Fair Employment Act prohibits state employees from going on strike.
Hochul has announced plans to bring in the National Guard to respond to state correctional facilities who are experiencing protests.
