NYGOP Chair: Hochul’s ordering corrections officers out on medical leave back to work is a heartless betrayal

ALBANY - NYGOP Chair Ed Cox released the following statement in response to Kathy Hochul ordering corrections officers on medical leave back to work:

“New Yorkers are witnessing yet another shameful display of Kathy Hochul’s incompetence as she botches the response to the ongoing corrections officer strike. Her administration’s reckless mismanagement has plunged our state’s prison system into chaos, jeopardizing the safety of officers, inmates, and the public alike. But nothing exemplifies her callous disregard for hardworking New Yorkers more than her indefensible order forcing corrections officers on medical leave - some injured in the line of duty - to return to work without proper medical clearance. This is not leadership; it’s a heartless betrayal of those who risk their lives daily to keep our communities safe.

“Hochul’s heavy-handed tactics have turned a labor dispute into a full-blown crisis. Instead of addressing the legitimate concerns of corrections officers, she’s resorted to strong-arming the sick and injured back onto the job, flouting basic decency and common sense.

“She must reverse this outrageous order immediately, ensure proper medical protections for our corrections officers, and get serious about fixing the mess she’s made of our state’s prison system.”