Truthout
Prison Labor
It’s Nearly Labor Day, and Congress Has a Chance to Abolish Prison Slavery
Formerly incarcerated workers are leading a push for basic labor rights in prisons that could change everything.
For Many Black People Behind Bars, Juneteenth Comes With Joy and Grief
The day serves as a reminder that while chattel slavery was abolished, a new form continues in the U.S. prison system.
The First Big Strike of 2023 May Happen Behind Prison Walls
The new year is set to kick off with a statewide strike by incarcerated workers in Pennsylvania.
Success of “Slavery on the Ballot” Vote Could Help Incarcerated Pregnant People
Four states voted to remove language from their constitutions that allow prisons to require incarcerated people to work.
Four States Voted to End Slavery — But Not Louisiana. Here’s Why.
The defeat of the ballot amendment underscores the challenges faced by the movement abolish slavery in prisons.
California Is Dependent on Prison Labor for Fighting Fires. This Must End.
CAL FIRE’s decades-old reliance on prison labor is coming to an end. The state should invest in firefighting jobs.
Working in Prison Fields Didn’t “Correct” Me, It Revealed the System’s Brutality
If one was paid to design a system that exacerbates trauma for vulnerable women, this would be the ideal model.
Prison Guards in Illinois Used Prison Labor to Raise Money for Golf Tournaments
Guards got incarcerated people to wash their personal cars, give haircuts and shine shoes at the fundraisers.
Corporate Exploitation of Prison Labor Reaches Deep into the Supply Chain
Prison slavery produces billions of dollars for the economy with many corporations taking advantage.
In Prison, We Helped Fight Wildfires. Upon Release, We Were Handed Over to ICE.
Governor Newsom must take decisive action by protecting the immigrants and incarcerated firefighters in our communities.