In New York, a big argument is happening between prison guards and the state government. The guards have been on strike for almost two weeks. They want changes to make their jobs safer. The state has made an offer, but the guards think it's not good enough.
The state's plan includes pausing some parts of a law called the HALT Act. This law limits how long inmates can be in solitary confinement. But the guards want the law to be completely removed, not just paused for a short time. They believe that the law puts them in danger.
Solitary confinement is a big issue. Some people think it's not as bad as it sounds. Inmates can get visits from priests, mental health professionals, and even play chess. They also get an hour of recreation time each day. But the guards insist that the act still puts them in danger.
The state's plan also talks about fixing staff shortages and mandatory overtime. If the guards go back to work by Saturday, they won't face any punishment for the strike. But if they don't, they could be arrested by state police.
The guards are not convinced that the proposal goes far enough. They feel that the state is not taking their safety concerns seriously. They want the HALT Act to be repealed and for the state to stop disciplining them for striking.
The guards are fighting for their safety and the safety of their colleagues. They believe that the state's proposal does not address these concerns adequately.
The guards are not backing down. They plan to stay on the picket line until the HALT Act is completely repealed. They are willing to face the consequences, including potential arrest or termination, to make their point.
The state government, on the other hand, seems unwilling to completely repeal the HALT Act. They believe that the temporary suspension is enough to address the COs' concerns. The standoff continues, with no clear resolution in sight.
