Something different is happening here today on the Make Room Show. Usually, we talk about lighter stuff, but today, I'm bringing you a message that's been weighing heavily on my heart. It's about something serious happening right here in New York State. It's the NYS prison strike, and it's time the nation knew what's really going on. To help me unpack this, I've invited Bernadette Singer, a corrections officer's wife. Together, we want to clear up some misunderstandings, share the facts, and get this story the attention it deserves.

What's the Real Story Behind the NYS Prison Strike?

Let's get everyone up to speed. On February 17th, something remarkable happened. Corrections officers across every prison in New York State went on strike. Why? Because they're fed up with unsafe working conditions. This isn't just a minor issue. It's a breaking point. In fact, this strike has already broken a record! The last time New York state prisons saw a strike this long was back in 1979. And that one only lasted 16 days.

A Sisterhood is Born: The Power of a Facebook Group

To understand how this strike gained momentum, let's talk about a Facebook group. Bernadette started this group for corrections officers' wives last year. Why? Because she wanted to create a space where they could support each other and share information. She wanted to know what was happening at facilities across the entire state. Little did she know just how vital that decision would become.

Initially, the group had only around 400 members. But, since the strike began, it has exploded into a community of thousands. It's become a go-to place for updates and organizing mutual aid for striking facilities. I joined myself a while back. I was getting so frustrated with the conditions my husband was working in. It was incredible to finally have a place to voice my concerns.

When Fear Becomes Reality

Being married to someone in law enforcement comes with inherent fears. What's your worst nightmare? A riot, just like the one in 1971 where lives were tragically lost. We know the risks when we get into this life. But what happens when those risks grow to an unacceptable level? The public needs to understand this. The riot pushed everyone to a tipping point. Enough was truly enough.

A Day in Hell: 30 Hours Straight

Let me paint you a picture of what these officers face. On the day the strike began, my husband was working his 30th hour in a row. He was 45 minutes from home with an inmate at a hospital. And not just any inmate. This was someone caught pushing fentanyl over the Miami border. So, my husband's life was on the line for someone who made terrible choices. Then, he was expected to drive 45 minutes home after being awake for over 24 hours.

Driving that tired is like driving drunk. But it's okay for these guys to do it, right? It happens every single day. Many officers don't even live close to the facilities.

Communities Unite: An Outpouring of Support

Despite these challenges, something amazing happened. Our communities stepped up. I went to local businesses asking for donations like coffee and hand warmers. It was freezing when the strike began. We put it on social media, and it blew up. Towns across the state rallied to our side.

The donations poured in. Firewood, food, hot meals, water, coffee, medicine – you name it, we got it. It was absolutely insane, and it's still going on nearly three weeks later.

From Donations to Deployment: The Military Arrives

The support was so overwhelming that our little donation site started to look like a military camp. But instead of working with the officers, our governor sent in the National Guard. We watched in disbelief as young, inexperienced soldiers drove up in Humvees. It was sickening. We have children that age.

So, we decided to share the donations with the National Guard. We didn't want the generosity of our towns to go to waste. At that point, I truly thought this would all be over in a few days.

Beyond Expectations: A Strike That Endures

I never imagined that the NYS prison strike would last this long. But something is different this time. We have social media. We have podcasts. We have ways to spread awareness that didn't exist in 1979.

People who aren't even connected to the prisons understand that something is seriously wrong. They know that over 14,000 workers wouldn't walk off the job if things were okay. They automatically side with the officers because they understand corruption.

The Human Cost: Stress and Sacrifice

As spouses, we're going through hell. This is the most stressful situation I've ever faced. My husband says he's never been more stressed in his life. Everything we've worked for is on the line: our homes, our families, our futures. If you're just hearing about this now, you need to understand how serious this is.

What Are They Fighting For?

At the heart of it all, the officers are fighting for safe working conditions. But what does that really mean?

• End Mandatory 24-Hour Shifts: Officers are being forced to work inhumanely long hours.
• Staffing Levels: The state has declared that 70% staffing is the new 100%. How is that safer for anyone?
• Body Scanners: Why aren't visitors required to walk through body scanners? It's expensive equipment that could prevent contraband from entering the facilities.

The HALT Act: A Well-Intentioned Disaster?

Let's talk about the HALT Act. It stands for the Humane Alternatives to Long-Term Solitary Confinement Act. The intention was good, but the results have been disastrous. This act limits the amount of time inmates can spend in solitary confinement. The problem? It's emboldened violent inmates.

Since the HALT Act was implemented, attacks on officers have increased by 76%. Inmate-on-inmate attacks have gone up by a staggering 169%. We're simply asking for the HALT Act to be revised or repealed altogether.

Retaliation: Punishing the Striking Officers

Instead of addressing the problems, the state retaliated against the striking officers. They've been ignored, lied to, and punished. And then the state canceled their health insurance!

No 30-day notice, no COBRA offered. Even officers on FMLA or workers' comp lost their insurance. On top of that, they're accruing fines under the Taylor Law.

The Taylor Law: A Tool for Control?

The Taylor Law was designed to prevent public sector strikes. But it's become a weapon used against the officers. Article 22, Section 1 of the collective bargaining agreement guarantees safe working conditions. The state is violating this agreement but hiding behind the technicality of an illegal strike.

Legal Battles Ahead: Taking the Fight to the Courts

The state is breaking federal laws. The union is now filing lawsuits. We're going to the Supreme Court on Tuesday to address the FMLA and workers' comp issues. The state is violating laws, but who cares when they do it, right?

The Million Dollar Question: Where's the Union?

Why isn't the union fully supporting the NYS prison strike? They risk massive fines and legal repercussions. But is it worth the fight? I think it is. What would have happened if the union had sanctioned this strike from the beginning?

Pandora's Box is Open: The Truth Can't Be Hidden

Despite the challenges, something good has come from this. The truth is finally out. Video footage and firsthand accounts are spreading like wildfire on social media. People are seeing the reality of what's happening inside these prisons.

A Call for Federal Intervention

At this point, we believe federal intervention is the only way to resolve this crisis. We're disappointed in Governor Hochul's response. But we're grateful for the local officials who are stepping up to help.

Closing Prisons: A Dangerous Game

Governor Hochul wants to close up to five prisons. Where do the inmates go? Some get moved to other facilities, and some end up back on the streets. She's condensing violent offenders with inmates who committed minor crimes. What message does that send?

Mind Games: Psychological Warfare

The state is playing mind games with these officers. They release information late at night when people are exhausted. They spread scare tactics and fake rumors to try and break their resolve.

The Power of the People

Remember, the power is with you. There are more of us than there are of them. Don't give up. Stand with your brothers and sisters in blue and fight for what is right.

The Overlooked Trauma

It's not only physically draining, but it's also traumatizing. Why did Governor Hochul carve out corrections officers from PTSD funding?

The Impact on Families

Think about the families. Many wives are stay-at-home moms who depend on their husbands' income. Some women have lost their jobs because their husbands are constantly getting stuck at work. What about single parents? This situation puts them in an impossible position.

What Have They Gained? Nothing.

After all this, what have the officers gained? Nothing. They're still fighting for safe working conditions. They're facing more unsafe conditions than ever before.

The Defund the Police Era: A Recruitment Crisis

We're facing a recruitment crisis. The "defund the police" movement has created a negative perception of law enforcement. Long-time officers are discouraging young people from joining. We're seeing graduating classes of only 30 officers for the entire state.

One Story Sums It Up

A friend's son just graduated and took a job as a corrections officer despite our warnings. Now, he's working over 230 hours in the last two weeks. He fell asleep driving home and crashed his car. This is the reality these officers are facing.

Corporations Care, Why Doesn't the State?

While corporations are focusing on work-life balance, the state is going in the opposite direction. It makes no sense.

A Final Message of Hope

"The most important message you know that I'm going to continue to put out there is the power is with you." We have to continue this fight until it's mutually beneficial for everyone.

The Sisterhood Endures

Thank you to Bernadette for starting the Facebook group. We're in this together.

Pray for Our Officers

Truth is out. Pray for the support and needs of these brave men and women. Federal intervention needs to happen.

Conclusion

Thanks for listening. We'll see you soon.