NEW YORK (WENY) -- Governor Kathy Hochul called out striking prison guards on Tuesday, Feb. 25th, claiming they are making New York less safe as mediation continues between NYSCOBPA, the union that represents the guards, and the state. With the unauthorized strike now in its second week, Hochul said guards have yet to clearly communicate what it is they actually want. 

"Let me be clear: the illegal actions being taken by a number of individuals is putting the entire state at risk. We need them back to work; this must end immediately," Hochul said, adding, "I've also had to deploy 6,500 members of the National Guard to do the jobs of those who've walked out. That means that they've been taken either from their homes or critical assignments, whether they're protecting assets in New York City or elsewhere against terrorism."

For its part, NYSCOBPA released a statement to WENY News with details on the first day of mediation. According to the union, topics discussed including revamping and rolling back the HALT act, elimination of triple shifts, legal mail scanning, and no discipline of any kind for guards who are considered AWOL for striking without authorization. 

"Thank God for the National Guard that are in there doing work that they never anticipated, and the condition inside the prisons is stabilized. We've had to start legal proceedings against these individuals, not something I ever would want to do, but I have a law to enforce. We've also let them know that if you are striking, you’re AWOL. You no longer secure the right to have health benefits from the state, that goes away. Your legal proceedings have started. Your legal representation is not covered by the union because this is not sanctioned by the union, they will not pay for this," Hochul said. 

Going forward, Hochul said the state is already transferring inmates from locations like Collins Correctional in a bid to bring staffing numbers down. Mediation discussions are scheduled through Wednesday. 

"We need more of you on the job, I get that. But, we have a situation right now, which is absolutely untenable, especially the fact that there were prisons left unguarded — think about that. The incarcerated population was left unguarded. There were people from other unions, people who work in health care, and the commissary, who were left unprotected by these actions," Hochul said.