The 61-year-old man was found unresponsive in his cell at Auburn Correctional Facility, one of dozens of state prisons where corrections officers have walked off the job over working conditions.

Day six of the statewide correction officers strike saw massive crowds outside Clinton Correctional Facility supporting the work action on Saturday. “I’ve been talking to correction officers, and it’s clear these protests are about safety and staffing levels,

Sunday marks seven days since correction officers began their unsanctioned strikes. These strikes, which are not union approved, come as workers say they feel unsafe inside the facilities.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has deployed National Guard troops to secure state-run prisons amid a wildcat strike by corrections workers. Picketing and striking by corrections officers took place at around 30 state prisons as of Wednesday morning,

Striking New York correction officers will be classified as absent without leave and face serious repercussions, including loss of pay and health benefits, according to the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision. Despite a court order to return to work, many officers continue protesting unsafe conditions and staffing shortages.

The new prison cuts shocked state lawmakers, some of whom are fielding calls from frightened and furious corrections officers and families of prisoners.