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State Sens. Peter Harckham, Michelle Hinchey, Rachel May and James Skoufis released a joint statement Monday on the correction officer strike and the need for "an overhaul of our corrections system." May, D-Syracuse, represents Cayuga County, which has two state prisons: Auburn Correctional Facility and Cayuga Correctional Facility in Moravia.Ìý

Correction officers, the senators said, "have one of the most difficult and dangerous jobs in New York." 

"An already-difficult job is made near-impossible under the current circumstances: Thousands of unfilled positions leading to mandatory double and triple shifts, woefully inadequate pay, a significant spike in violence against staff and a significant increase in contraband entering prisons," the senators added. "These poor and unsafe workplace conditions are born out of years-long, if not decades-long neglect by state government, including DOCCS.

"The profession requires far more than an inadequate $6,500 starting salary increase if we are to pull corrections back from the brink." 

The correction officer strike began Feb. 17 at three prisons. The next day, more correction officers at other prisons, including Auburn and Cayuga correctional facilities, joined the work stoppage. Officers are protesting unsafe working conditions, including a record number of assaults on staff and mandated overtime.Ìý

Gov. Kathy Hochul activated the National Guard to provide security at prisons during the strike. The state has attempted to force the striking officers to return to work, but most remain on the picket line.Ìý

State law prohibits public employee strikes. It is the first strike by correction officers since 1979.Ìý

Republican lawmakers have already shown their support for the striking officers. Cayuga County's Assembly delegation — Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay, Assemblyman Jeff Gallahan and Assemblyman John Lemondes — visited the strikes in Auburn and Moravia.Ìý

The joint statement from the Democratic state senators isn't limited to the ongoing strike. It also addresses the killing of Robert Brooks, an inmate at Marcy Correctional Facility who was beaten to death by officers in December. Charges have been filed against several officers for their alleged role in Brooks' death.Ìý

The senators said the incident "further demonstrates the need for an attitudinal shift towards zero tolerance for staff who are violent towards other staff or incarcerated individuals, as well as meaningful legislative and budgetary reforms, including mandatory body cameras on every corrections officer." 

Hochul amended her 2025-26 budget proposal to include a provision that would require correction officers to wear body cameras. She is also proposing another round of prison closures.Ìý

As the strike enters its second week, mediation began Monday to end the work stoppage. DOCCS and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, which represents most state correction officers, are participating in the sessions.Ìý

The officers have demanded significant changes, including the repeal of a solitary confinement reform law and the implementation of policies to boost recruitment. DOCCS responded that the proposals would require legislative action or violate the contract that NYSCOPBA ratified in 2024.Ìý

With officers — their constituents — on the picket line, the Democratic state senators are supporting their cause.Ìý

"We are unequivocally calling for safer correctional facilities and safer jobs — and will be pushing for substantial reforms during budget negotiations and legislative session," the senators said.Ìý