Hundreds of former state correction officers were at the state Capitol on Thursday to protest what they say were unjust firings.

The officers were terminated after they walked off the job during an unsanctioned three-week strike. They were protesting unsafe working conditions.

Gov. Kathy Hochul issued an order preventing other agencies from hiring COs that participated in the strike. However, people in attendance at the rally said the order was issued without legal due process. They argued that the ban was an overreach.

The governor said local law enforcement agencies will be able to hire some of those fired COs once her emergency order expires April 9. However, these officers will have to complete training.