The rally is set to begin at 11:00 AM today.
Hundreds of corrections officers from across New York State are rallying at the State Capitol today to demand reforms in staffing, safety, and the termination process within state correctional facilities. The rally highlights concerns over increasing violence, drug activity, and excessive mandatory overtime that officers are forced to work. Many officers argue that the recent termination of 2,000 staff members, some of whom were on medical leave or workers' compensation, was done without proper due process, creating unsafe conditions. The protest also follows rising tensions between local municipalities and Governor Kathy Hochul’s executive order, which initially blocked the rehiring of officers dismissed after a recent strike. Several counties, including Rensselaer, Dutchess, and Oneida, have defied this order, rehiring former officers without the required state retraining, citing the experience and cost savings of doing so. Governor Hochul announced that the hiring restrictions will expire on April 9 but emphasized that retraining would still be required for rehired officers. Officers and their supporters are calling for immediate action from lawmakers to address the unsafe working conditions and ensure due process for terminated staff. via WNYT
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