New York State has terminated thousands of prison guards who failed to return to work following a 22-day wildcat strike that began on February 17. The strike, deemed illegal under state law prohibiting public employee strikes, led to significant disruptions within the state's correctional system. Despite reaching an agreement with the guards' union contingent upon 85% staff returning by a specified deadline, the actual return rate fell short, prompting the mass firings. The National Guard will continue to support prison operations as the state initiates an aggressive recruitment campaign to replenish the reduced workforce. Investigations are ongoing into inmate deaths that occurred during the strike, with some correctional officers facing criminal charges.
See "New York fires 2,000 prison guards who refuse to return to work after wildcat strike", Michael Hill, AP News, March 11, 2025