The ongoing strike by correctional officers across New York State has now entered a new phase. Workers are still picketing outside facilities, including the Woodbourne Correctional Facility in Sullivan County, demanding safer working conditions, better staffing, and an end to excessive overtime. Meanwhile, the state is taking new steps to end the protest.

The strike, which has impacted nearly 30 of the state’s 42 prisons, began in response to what officers call dangerously unsafe working conditions. Governor Kathy Hochul has called the strike illegal under the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from walking off the job. In response, the state canceled visitations at all prisons and announced that National Guard troops would be deployed to help manage the facilities.

Now, new actions are being taken by the state government. Governor Hochul has signed an Executive Order authorizing the deployment of the National Guard and additional compensation for officers who return to work. Commissioner Daniel Martuscello issued a memo titled “Path to Restoring Workforce,” outlining key changes, including:

• Suspending certain elements of the HALT Act under “exceptional circumstances.”
• Rescinding staffing restrictions to allow for more flexibility.
• Increasing overtime pay to 2.5 times the regular rate for working officers.
• Ensuring no disciplinary action against employees who return to work before the midnight deadline.

The union representing the officers, New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association, has distanced itself from the strike, citing legal restrictions, but continues to mediate between workers and the state.

Closer to home, the Sullivan County Legislature has now passed a resolution urging Governor Hochul to revoke the HALT Act. Nadia Rajsz, Chair of the Sullivan County Legislature, stated, "Our corrections officers are suffering. They are out there picketing with informational pickets. The HALT Act should be removed." The HALT Act, designed to limit the use of solitary confinement, has been a major point of contention among officers, who argue it has led to an increase in violent incidents against staff.

As the situation continues to unfold, all eyes are on how the state and correctional officers will navigate this crisis. Will the new measures be enough to end the strike?

PepsiCo has announced the closure of its manufacturing facility in the Village of Liberty, where it produces the popular PopCorners snack. The plant, formerly known as Ideal Snacks, has been a staple in the community since the late 1990s before PepsiCo acquired the brand around 2018. The closure will result in the loss of approximately 300 jobs, significantly impacting local workers and businesses.

Sullivan County Legislator Louie Alvarez (District 6) expressed deep concern over the decision, particularly its effect on Liberty’s close-knit Hispanic community. "Most of them have made their life here—this is their home. Their kids go to school here, they buy food here, they own homes here. This is going to hit us very hard," Alvarez said.

Alvarez highlighted the contributions of Hispanic residents to Liberty, noting their involvement in local events and businesses. He also warned that the closure would have a ripple effect on Main Street, where many of the affected workers support local restaurants and shops.

PepsiCo cited challenges in sustaining the plant’s long-term viability due to the brand’s rapid growth. In a statement to Radio Catskill, the company acknowledged employees’ contributions, saying, “This decision does not diminish the value of their hard work and dedication. We are working closely with our employees and local community officials to provide a supportive transition.”

Liberty Mayor John Stoddard and county legislators plan to discuss potential strategies to mitigate the economic impact. “We’ll be talking about this at our upcoming meetings to see what can be done,” Alvarez said.