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ROCHESTER, N.Y. – As strikes at correctional facilities across New York continue to spread, tensions have escalated at Groveland Correctional Facility in Livingston County, where correctional officers are picketing in defiance of state leadership. In response, Governor Kathy Hochul has threatened to deploy the National Guard to maintain operations if the work stoppage persists.
Despite the ongoing strike, state officials assured the public that Groveland remains functional and secure. However, corrections officers across multiple facilities are refusing to report for duty, citing unsafe working conditions and excessive overtime mandates.
“It’s about safety. It’s about keeping our guys safe. It’s about letting our employees see their families,” said retired corrections officer David Washburn, who worked at Groveland for more than two decades before leaving last summer. “We were responding to medical emergencies constantly for inmate overdoses. Violence has increased tremendously over the last couple of years. This year alone, there’s a record number of assaults on staff and inmates. It’s not safe for anybody behind these fences.”
The striking officers are demanding several changes, including:
The repeal of the HALT Act, which restricts the use of solitary confinement.
The digitization of incoming mail for inmates to reduce contraband.
Mandatory body scans for visitors.
A $5,000 hiring bonus for new employees.
A ban on mandatory overtime exceeding 16-hour shifts.
While their union has not officially sanctioned the strike, the officers insist their actions are necessary for their safety and the integrity of the correctional system.
State law prohibits public workers—including correctional officers—from striking under the Taylor Law, which could lead to disciplinary action, fines, and even termination. Hochul’s office reaffirmed Tuesday that if strikes continue into Wednesday, National Guard troops will be deployed to affected facilities.
Despite the governor’s warning, striking officers remain steadfast, continuing their demonstrations overnight with rotating shifts. Many say they hope state leaders will engage in meaningful discussions and take action to address their concerns.
The situation remains fluid, and further updates are expected as tensions between correctional officers and state leadership escalate.
(Bob Lonsberry is at Nys Groveland Correctional Facility) Facebook Quote-
This is what it looks like when David takes on Goliath. Correctional officers across the state, disrespected by the governor and endangered by the commissioner, are refusing to take it anymore. Less than 24 hours into their wildcat strike, they have forced the governor to call out the National Guard and have drawn the support of millions of New Yorkers.
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