As the ongoing strike among New York correctional officers stretches into its third week, tensions between state officials and officers remain high. The New York Corrections Department has issued ultimatums, offering deals directly to striking prison guards while bypassing union leaders, who have rejected these proposals. Amid protests and frustrations, the state government is attempting to bring an end to the strike with additional offers, yet many officers express dissatisfaction with the terms. A recent deal was put forth to end a seventeen-day work stoppage, but union negotiations remain unofficial, leading to concerns about the wellbeing of both officers and incarcerated individuals. As some correction officers face firings for ignoring strike agreements, advocates draw attention to the deteriorating conditions in prisons, raising alarms about the safety of inmates. The situation remains fluid, with uncertainty about the future of negotiations and potential resolutions.