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Hundreds of corrections officers and their supporters gathered at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday (March 4) to demand better working conditions and the repeal of the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement (HALT) Act. The rally took place as strikes at New York prisons entered their third week, with more than 8,000 officers still on strike despite a tentative deal proposed by state mediators.
The officers are calling for safer work environments, the end of 24-hour shifts, and limits on mandatory overtime. They argue that the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement, has increased danger within prisons. According to NBC5, former federal prosecutor Michael Sussman, who emceed the rally, urged Governor Kathy Hochul to listen to the officers' concerns. "Changes need to be made yesterday," Sussman said, emphasizing the need for immediate action.
The rally drew support from Republican lawmakers who criticized Governor Hochul and New York Democrats for their handling of the situation. Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin called for the repeal of the HALT Act and Hochul's resignation. Meanwhile, the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) has not sanctioned the strike and has encouraged officers to return to work.
As reported by CBS6 Albany, the strike has led to deteriorating conditions for incarcerated individuals, with limited access to educational programs, medical care, and family visits. The Department of Corrections has begun terminating employees and rescinding health insurance benefits for those who refuse to return to work.
The rally highlighted the ongoing tension between corrections officers and the state government, with officers determined to continue their strike until their demands are met. As the situation unfolds, both sides remain at an impasse, with no immediate resolution in sight.