No state has a longer, more profit-driven history of contracting prisoners out to private companies than Alabama.

Summary

Alabama profits from a vast prison labor system, earning over $250 million since 2000 by leasing incarcerated workers to private companies like McDonald’s and Home Depot.

While inmates earn at least $7.25/hour, the state deducts 40% plus additional fees, leaving many with only $100-$200 weekly.

Inmates working outside prisons face risks, including unsafe conditions and lack of oversight, leading to fatalities like a recent van crash that killed two prisoners.

Critics argue this system exploits incarcerated workers, many denied parole despite holding jobs deemed too dangerous for release.

Advocates call for fair pay, workplace rights, and reform.

  • crystalmerchant@lemmy.world
    47·
    2 days ago

    Amendment 13:

    Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

    And we wonder how America is just so, so, so great.

    • teamevil@lemmy.world
      26·
      2 days ago

      Yeah but I think in that instance it’s meant to pay restitution off at some level VS being denied parole so you can exploit their labor

      Edit: also SUPER fucked that their is a private entity profiting off this instead of the profits being added to the local community.