Striking correction officers in New York state who have missed 11 consecutive shifts began being served notices of termination, the Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS) announced Sunday.

Striking officers earlier in the day said they received voicemails from the state Office of Employee Relations letting workers know that notices of termination would start for anyone remaining on the picket line, along with sanctions that could include fines and imprisonment.

Any correction officers who continue striking also risk having their and their dependent's health care removed retroactive to the first day they were on strike, according to a statement released Sunday from DOCCS.

This comes as many correctional officers across the state continue their strike — which is entering its third week. Correction officers began walking out on Feb. 17 to protest what they called unsafe working conditions. 

DOCCS Commissioner Daniel Martuscello III also said those still on strike will not be eligible for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, also known as COBRA, a federal law that allows people to continue their health insurance for a period of time after leaving their job. He also said workers should return to work on Sunday and if they missed their shift. 

Saturday was the deadline for all correction officers participating in the unsanctioned strike to return to work, as per mediation talks. DOCCS said in a statement on Saturday that correction officers still striking could expect to face disciplinary action after that date.

Many of striking workers on Sunday were joined by their family members. On Sunday, Spectrum News 1 spoke to wives of Attica correction officers who did not wish to be identified. 

One woman highlighted the risk her husband takes by working in the prison and the toll it takes on their family.

A deal reached by the union on Thursday includes changes the state's HALT Act, addresses staffing shortages, minimizes mandatory 24-hour overtime shifts and a pay bump. 

But with the strike an illegal one — state law prohibits public employees from working — the agreement isn't voted on by the correction officers union as a whole, but rather a decision up to individuals.

Many have not taken the deal, saying Sunday that it didn't their demands and expressed worry nothing would change long-term.