ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The prison strike has entered day number five at the Elmira Correctional Facility and other prisons across New York State.

On Friday, corrections officers on strike continued to demonstrate outside the facility on Davis Street in Elmira. Demonstrators braved the cold and windy winter weather -- with some holding signs and flags. One correction officer on strike, who wanted to remain anonymous, spoke to WENY News. They explained they're not on strike for money but for safety. For many of the officers on strike, they point to the state's "HALT Act" as the reason they refuse to go back to work.

Governor Hochul called the strike illegal, and the corrections officer union said it did not sanction the work stoppage, but it did acknowledge the grievances brought forth by men and women who have been picketing. New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision tried to end the strike by offering a temporary stay of the HALT Act amid the strike, and partial punishment amnesty to any officer who returned to work before 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

A mediator has been hired to step in and try get the situation resolved. The negotiation process is expected to happen on Monday, February 24th.