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.

Correctional officers and staff near Woodbourne Correctional Facility have launched a strike, citing hazardous working conditions, excessive mandatory overtime, and a lack of action from state officials. The strike, which has spread to over 25 jails, highlights growing concerns over staff safety, including exposure to unknown chemicals and a rise in workplace violence.

Governor Kathy Hochul has implemented measures aimed at improving conditions, but officers argue these efforts are insufficient to address the crisis. Hochul responded to the strike, stating, "We are committed to ensuring the safety of both correctional officers and inmates, and we will continue to work towards fair solutions that address these concerns." She also emphasized, "Striking is not the answer; we must engage in productive dialogue to create lasting change."

In response to the strike, Governor Hochul announced preparations to deploy the New York National Guard to correctional facilities to maintain order and ensure the safety of officers, incarcerated individuals, and surrounding communities. "The illegal and unlawful actions being taken by a number of correction officers must end immediately," Hochul stated. "We will not allow these individuals to jeopardize the safety of their colleagues, incarcerated people, and the residents of communities surrounding our correctional facilities." She has directed Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Commissioner Daniel Martuscello and senior officials to meet with union leadership to negotiate an end to the strike.

Should the work stoppage continue, Hochul has instructed legal counsel to explore enforcement options under the Taylor Law, which prohibits public employees from striking and mandates their return to work. Commissioner Martuscello echoed the urgency of resolving the dispute, noting, "This illegal job action involving NYSCOPBA members is causing irreparable harm to department operations and jeopardizing safety."

As the National Guard remains on standby and financial penalties for striking workers loom, the standoff continues with no clear resolution in sight. Governor Hochul reaffirmed her commitment to improving pay and working conditions for correctional officers, citing recent salary increases, expanded hazardous duty pay, and recruitment incentives.

On The Local Edition, Radio Catskill discussed a River Reporter article detailing allegations against the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. The article includes claims from two former officers accusing Sheriff Mike Schiff and Undersheriff Eric Chaboty of ordering a falsified accident report and fostering a hostile work environment.

Additionally, the article mentions an alleged FBI investigation into the department.

The controversy has drawn attention, particularly after retired police investigator Tim Dymond announced his candidacy for sheriff, challenging Schiff in the upcoming election. While Sheriff Schiff denies the allegations, some current employees have confirmed speaking with the FBI.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke with Undersheriff Eric Chaboty for his response to these claims. We also discussed the fears within the Latino community regarding ICE raids.

A growing number of NYSEG customers in Sullivan County and beyond are reporting massive spikes in their electric bills this winter, with some seeing increases of several hundred dollars.

Rock Hill resident Tom O’Donohue saw his January bill jump to $834—nearly triple his highest previous bill. Shocked by the surge, he created a Facebook group where dozens of customers shared similar experiences, some with bills exceeding $1,000. Even those who don’t rely on electric heat or have opted out of smart meters reported extreme increases.

In response to mounting complaints, Assemblymember Paula Kay met with NYSEG’s CEO to demand answers. She acknowledged that winter rates and increased usage could contribute to higher bills but said they don’t explain such drastic spikes. Kay has arranged for NYSEG to hold a public meeting at the Sullivan County Government Center on February 27, 2025 to address customer concerns.

NYSEG stated that winter usage naturally leads to higher bills and urged affected customers to reach out for assistance programs, including budget billing and HEAP. However, frustrated customers are calling for more action, with some even considering a class-action lawsuit.

Radio Catskill's Patricio Robayo has more.

The governor’s latest budget pitch would send an additional $290 million to the state’s public transit agencies, invest more in a new student-teacher stipend, and more.

All Things Liberty Winter Festival, happening on February 22, 2025, from 10 AM to 2 PM at Liberty High School Gym. It’s a day of fun for families with sled riding, carnival games, craft vendors, karaoke, and more.

But this year, there’s something extra special: the Liberty Faculty Association is hosting a book giveaway for Liberty Elementary students, made possible through a grant from the American Federation of Teachers.

The giveaway will feature books in Spanish, bilingual editions, and a range of reading levels, ensuring all students have access to stories they can connect with.

Radio Catskill’s Patricio Robayo spoke to Jill Parks, the Middle School Librarian at Liberty Central School District on the book giveaway.