Alabama Forced Prison Labor System: A recent federal class action lawsuit has been filed against the state of Alabama, challenging the controversial forced prison labor system. Inmates and labor organizations are demanding an end to the practice of leasing incarcerated individuals to major companies like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, and Wendy’s, which allegedly generates $450 million annually for the state.
The lawsuit argues that Alabama’s prison labor system amounts to “modern-day slavery,” with inmates compelled to work for minimal or no compensation, benefiting both government entities and private businesses. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama, the suit represents ten Black plaintiffs who claim that parole denials are systematically used to maintain a workforce, disproportionately affecting Black Alabamians.
The primary goal of the lawsuit is to secure compensation for those exploited in Alabama’s forced prison labor system, citing violations of a 2015 state law requiring evidence-based parole decisions. The alleged denial of parole to Black individuals at twice the rate of white candidates perpetuates this cycle of exploitation.
Since 2018, over 575 businesses and 100 public agencies in Alabama have engaged incarcerated individuals for various tasks. The lawsuit highlights the widespread exploitation, estimating annual benefits of $450 million for entities involved. The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles is accused of perpetuating this exploitation by failing to make evidence-guided parole decisions.
The lawsuit draws parallels to Alabama’s historical “convict leasing” program, challenging the unjust system and advocating for justice and reform to protect the rights and dignity of incarcerated individuals.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What are the six systems of inmate labor?
There are numerous organizational structures for the prison work force, including the public account system, contract system, piece-price system, lease system, state use system, and works and ways system (Jackson, 1927).
Are prison workers part of the labor force?
The civilian labor force size changes monthly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics counts people not in the military, prison, or similar institutions as part of the official civilian labor force.
Who is over the prison system in Alabama?
On January 1, 2022, Governor Kay Ivey named John Q. Hamm as the commissioner of the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC).
What is modern day slavery prison system?
Inmates, past and present, have filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against Alabama’s prison labor program, deeming it as a form of “modern day slavery.” They claim that prisoners are coerced into working for minimal or even no pay, in positions that ultimately benefit government bodies or private businesses.