New York prison guards face arrests as strikes escalate
Kathy Hochul, the governor of New York, warns prison guards about the possibility of arrests for participating in strikes, which are prohibited for public sector employees.
The governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, has voiced her discontent with the strikes being carried out by prison officers across the state. According to the Polish Press Agency, she cautioned on Wednesday that protest participants could face arrest, as the law forbids public sector employees from striking.
CBS News reports that the strike at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining has been in progress for over a week. Protesters, wary of legal repercussions, are concealing their identities.
According to Israel Sanchez, the spokesperson for the strikers, the governor has warned of potential arrests based on the Taylor Law. Some individuals have already received notices at their residences, while those present prefer to remain anonymous.
Safety concerns
Approximately 15,000 prison guards across the state are engaging in strikes and protests. Their primary concern stems from safety issues, which they argue have been disregarded for a significant period. The guards point to Democrat-endorsed legislation and the closure of many prisons as factors they believe contribute to a hazardous working environment.
Governor Hochul has confirmed that steps have been taken to arrest the striking officers. "The proceedings have started. I think we have 380 people on the first list through the attorney general’s office and they’re being served by state police as we speak. This is in violation of law," Hochul emphasised, as quoted by the Daily Wire portal.
In response to the events, Hochul has deployed 6,500 National Guard troops to manage the prisons under emergency conditions. The deputy state secretary for public safety, Marcos Gonzalez, indicated that all strikers could face legal proceedings if deemed necessary.
