Prison labor contributes over $11 billion to the economy annually, but incarcerated individuals earn only 13 to 52 cents per hour.
The historical roots of prison labor date back to colonial times, evolving through the 13th Amendment into today's complex system.
Deep dives
The Role of Prison Labor in the Economy
Prison labor plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, generating over $11 billion worth of goods and services annually despite the workers receiving minimal pay. Many incarcerated individuals perform various jobs, including manufacturing products and providing services, which significantly reduce operational costs for businesses and government entities. For example, goods produced in prison factories are sold to state agencies at prices well below the market rate, relying on the exceedingly low wages of roughly 13 to 52 cents per hour that many prisoners earn. This system, which allows for profits to be made from extremely underpaid labor, has raised moral and ethical concerns about the treatment of incarcerated workers.
Historical Context of Prison Labor
The practice of utilizing prison labor in the U.S. has deep historical roots, tracing back to colonial times when European criminals were sent to America to work on farms. Following the Civil War, the infamous 13th Amendment allowed for involuntary servitude as punishment for crime, which essentially legalized forced labor in prisons. This led to the establishment of industrial prisons, where inmates were rented out for labor to private companies. The large-scale adoption of prison labor gained momentum during the 1980s and 1990s, correlating with an increase in mass incarceration and the rising costs of maintaining the prison population.
Impact of Prison Work on Incarcerated Individuals
While prison work is often framed as a path to rehabilitation, the reality for many incarcerated individuals is complex and fraught with challenges. Those who work in prison labor programs typically earn significantly less than minimum wage, creating financial struggles even within the prison system, where basic goods can be costly. Work environments can vary greatly; while some positions offer a semblance of skill development, others present harsh conditions and tedious tasks. The claims that these programs reduce recidivism rates are mixed, as a substantial number of former inmates continue to face significant barriers to employment post-release, potentially undermining the benefits of such work experiences.
Incarcerated people grow crops, fight wildfires, and manufacture everything from motor oil to prescription glasses — often for pennies per hour. Zachary Crockett reports from North Carolina.
SOURCES:
Laura Appleman, professor of law at Willamette University.
Christopher Barnes, inmate at the Franklin Correctional Center.
Lee Blackman, general manager at Correction Enterprises.
Brian Scott, ex-inmate, former worker at the Correction Enterprises printing plant.
