Striking N.Y. corrections officers must return to work or face penalties, department says

Striking New York state corrections officers must return to work or face penalties starting on Sunday, according to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS).

"In the event that correction officers continue the illegal strike in opposition to the mediators award, the judge’s temporary restraining order remains in effect and they may be held in contempt of court," DOCCS said in a statement released on Saturday. 

"Failure to return to duty will result in additional legal and administrative actions, including the immediate loss of insurance coverage, civil penalties for violating the Taylor Law, potential arrest and job termination. We look forward to officers returning to work and continuing our dialogue on creating a safer and more secure system for staff, the incarcerated population, and the surrounding communities," the DOCCS added.

According to Spectrum News, state correction officers started the strike on Feb. 17 in protest of working conditions. 

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said on Thursday that an agreement was reached between the state and the union but some officers have continued the strike.