UPDATE 2/21 3:10 P.M. According to the firm conducting the mediation and arbitration, the session has been rescheduled to start Monday, February 24th, to expedite the process. It is expected to last three days.

ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- The strike at Elmira Correctional Facility entered its fourth day on Thursday, February 20th, as correction Officers continued their protest alongside dozens of other correctional facilities across New York State. Despite the cold, officers kept warm with barrel fires, shared food, and received support from community members who honked in solidarity as they passed.

On the same day, Department of Correction and Community Supervision (DOCCS) Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III issued a memo to prison superintendents, outlining steps to stabilize the correction workforce.

A key point in the memorandum stated officers striking would not face disciplinary action if they returned to work by 11:59 p.m. on February 20th. However, it remains unclear whether striking staff will comply with the deadline.

The memo also announced temporary suspensions of certain provisions of the HALT Act, which limit the separation of inmates in solitary housing for safety reasons. This is an effort to improve conditions for both staff and inmates.

Additionally, DOCCS pledged they would work to implement more safety measures, and employees working during the strike would receive an overtime rate of two-and-a-half times their regular pay.

State lawmakers, including Senator Tom O'Mara and Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, visited the striking officers on Thursday to show support, and bring food. Palmesano pointed out concerns that the HALT Act has led to dangerous conditions within the prison.

"We've discussed this repeatedly. The HALT Act restricts our corrections officers' ability to segregate the most violent and dangerous inmates from the general population, which is essential for the safety of both the staff and other inmates. Since the HALT Act was implemented, inmate-on-staff assaults have surged over 76 percent, and inmate-on-inmate assaults have increased by over 169 percent. The evidence is clear," stated Palmesano.

Later in the afternoon, a mediation and arbitration service announced they would facilitate discussions between DOCCS and the New York State Correctional Officers and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA.)  Mediation is scheduled Tuesday, February 25th through Friday, February 28th.

Meanwhile, Governor Hochul's office confirmed to WENY that 4,500 National Guard Members have been deployed to correctional facilities across the state. However, whether these service members have been assigned to ECF remains unconfirmed.

The strike began on Monday, February 17th, around 6 a.m., as correction officers called for safer working conditions and increased staffing. The work stoppage originated from the Elmira and Collins Correctional Facilities in Erie County, and has since spread to more than 30 facilities.