In Ossining, NY, Sing Sing correctional officers went on strike on February 19, 2025, protesting poor working conditions such as understaffing, forced overtime, and unsafe environments. The strike paralyzed the prison system for three weeks until an agreement was reached on March 10, where most workers returned to their jobs. However, 2,000 holdouts were fired by state officials for not returning.
The strike, which began at two prisons and spread to many more, was illegal under state law. After failed attempts at mediation, an ultimatum was given to workers to return to work by a certain deadline or face termination and potential prosecution. The agreement included forming a committee to study the contentious 2021 law limiting solitary confinement as punishment and recommending changes to the legislature.
The agreement also suspended the rules of the HALT Act for 90 days, restored health insurance for striking workers who returned, and promised to address issues of overtime and understaffing. The state also offered referral bonuses to those who recruit new correctional officers.
Despite the return of the majority of workers, some may still face penalties for violating the Taylor Law. Correction officers in NY were paid base salaries ranging from $56,000 to $84,000 in 2023, with many earning more through overtime. The top earners received over $150,000. The strike highlighted the challenges faced by correctional officers and the importance of addressing their working conditions and concerns.
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