Mediation talks between the union and the state prison system are set for Monday as prison workers are back walking the picket lines for the fifth day.

Many did not return to work by a Thursday 11:59 p.m. deadline set by the state.

These unsanctioned strikes have been prompted by workers who say they do not feel safe inside the facilities.

The Department of Corrections and Community Supervision issued a memo on Thursday saying that it would suspend certain provisions of the HALT legislation, which placed limits on the use of solitary confinement. The agency said it would also increase the overtime pay to 2 ½ times and end the memo sent earlier this month that said that 70% staffing would be considered 100% staffing.

State Sen. Dan Stec, R-Queensbury, was taking a tour of Washington Correction Facility on Friday morning. Learn more about what he found out by watching the video of Dan Levy’s story.