New York officials dismissed more than 2,000 correctional officers on Monday for failing to return to work after a prolonged strike. While enough staff had resumed their duties for the state to officially declare an end to the labor action, the strike had already violated state laws prohibiting public employee work stoppages.

Corrections Commissioner Daniel Martuscello confirmed the resolution of the 22-day strike, which had severely impacted prison operations. The state had negotiated a weekend agreement with the New York State Correctional Officers & Police Benevolent Association. It was required that at least 85% of the staff should return by Monday.

Although that threshold was not met, some provisions of the agreement, such as overtime policies, will still be honored. Per Fox News, the National Guard will remain deployed while aggressive recruitment efforts begin to stabilize prison staffing.

The correctional workforce has now dropped from 13,500 to about 10,000 officers statewide. “Over 2,000 officers who failed to return by the 6:45 a.m. deadline, without preapproved medical leave, have been terminated,” Martuscello stated.

The strike, which began on February 17, stemmed from worsening working conditions. Meanwhile, inmate complaints about deteriorating conditions have increased. Investigations are also underway regarding inmate deaths. For instance, 22-year-old Messiah Nantwi, who was allegedly beaten by officers at Mid-State Correctional Facility.

The final agreement includes a 90-day suspension of restrictions on solitary confinement and a shift to 12-hour work schedules. Officers returning by Monday faced no disciplinary action.

#Clique, what are your thoughts?