National Guard arrives in Albion to help staff prisons while COs on strike

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ALBION – National Guard members arrived in Albion this morning just before 8:30 and headed to the Orleans Correctional Facility to help staff the prison where many of the corrections officers are on strike for the third day.

The National Guard will be assisting at Orleans and Albion correctional facilities. Gov. Kathy Hochul mobilized the National Guard after strikes at more than 30 of the state’s prisons. She said the strikes are illegal work stoppages due to the Taylor Law which doesn’t allow public employees to go on strike.

“National Guard members will support and supplement current correctional staff on site to ensure safety and security with tasks including distributing meals and medication to incarcerated individuals and help maintain general order and wellness in the facilities,” according to a news release from the Governor’s Office on Wednesday. “Additional members are expected to report for duty in the coming hours and days.”

About 3,500 National Guard members have been deployed to prisons around the state following an executive order from Hochul.

The governor has approved additional overtime compensation for correction officers and other staff who are reporting for duty and actively working to secure the prisons.

An independent mediator also has been retained “to help bring a quick and immediate end to this illegal work stoppage,” Hochul said.

The corrections officers say the facilities are unsafe and understaffed. They aren’t seeking more money, but instead are focused on better working conditions in the prisons.