Correction officers across New York continued striking on Wednesday, despite efforts to reach an agreement to get the officers to return to work.

Correction officers from Marcy and Mid-State correctional facilities stood by COs who work at Mohawk Correctional Facility in Rome, marking day 10 of the prison guard strike.

Day three of mediation talks started at 1 p.m. Wednesday.

Bryan Hammond, a retired CO, said improving safety on the job is the top priority for active correction officers in New York state.

“Every one of these officers want to go back to work – they don’t want to be standing out here – but they also want a safe environment to work to,” Hammond said.

Hammond worked as a correction officer for 25 years. He said he understands why COs across the state are striking.

“The last 10 years, it’s progressively gotten worse and worse inside the facilities,” he said.

Hammond represents COs from the Mohawk, Marcy and Mid-State correctional facilities.

“These three jails right are standing strong and they just, they just want safety," he said. "That’s all they want. They just want to be safe when they go to work.”

Hammond sad COs are also hoping for a better work-life balance.

He said safety would come with the repeal of the HALT Act, which limits the use of solitary confinement. Those in favor of the HALT Act say extended periods of solitary confinement is inhumane, while opponents say the act creates extra opportunities for violence.

“The most he can get is 15 days in special housing unit, called SHU, some people call it the box," Hammond said. "Does his 15 days in there, comes out, cannot go back in for 90 days, he can come out, he can slash an officer across the face, he can punch an officer in the face, he can do whatever he wants to do. He’s not gonna go back to special housing.”

According to DOCCS, there have already been more than 200 attacks on staff this year.

"As we reach day 10 of this illegal strike, we take a moment to recognize and commend the exemplary work being done by the current staff and the National Guard. Their dedication and professionalism are critical in maintaining facility operations and ensuring the safety and security of our facilities and the neighboring communities," DOCCS said in a statement Wednesday. "However, the longer this illegal strike continues the greater the risk becomes to the stability of these facilities and for the people inside them. It is imperative that this unlawful job action come to an end without further delay. The state remains fully engaged in ongoing mediation effort and remains hopeful for a swift and fair resolution. We thank everyone involved for their continued commitment during this challenging time."

Since the strike started, New York has suspended parts of the Halt Act, though protestors are calling for its full repeal.

The NAACP New York State Conference condemned the suspension of parts of the HALT Act in a statement released Wednesday.

"Prolonged solitary confinement is torture and, contrary to the narrative of the moment, it makes everyone in prisons and jails less safe. This law was passed to end the routine inhumane abuses of solitary confinement by DOCCS," the NAACP said, urging DOCCS to immediately reverse course.

Gov. Kathy Hochul has threatened legal action against the strikers, with more than 300 COs already served court orders. Striking officers are also at risk of losing their state health benefits and legal representation.

While the strikes continue, New York Army National Guard members are helping to staff the prisons.

“I’m hoping by the end of today, we will come down with something from the mediator through the lawyers and through DOCCS in Albany, and something comes out to where these officers can get back to work, work civil hours, in a secure area, and go home and see their families," Hammond said.