All articles tagged with #prison labor
Emel McDowell served over 19 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, based on a letter from the actual gunman that was ignored during his trial. After a long legal fight and eventual exoneration in 2023, he received a settlement and is now pursuing justice for wrongful imprisonment and forced labor, while aiming to rebuild his life and advocate for others.
Emel McDowell served 19 years in prison for a murder he didn't commit, based on a letter from the actual gunman that was ignored. His conviction was finally vacated in 2023 after the gunman's confession, leading to a wrongful conviction settlement, but he continues to fight for justice and recognition, reflecting on lost opportunities and ongoing struggles faced by exonerees.
California voters have rejected Proposition 6, a measure to ban forced prison labor, which would have amended the state constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude for incarcerated individuals. Despite the defeat, advocates argue the measure was crucial in addressing remnants of slavery in legal frameworks. The proposition was part of broader reparations efforts, but faced challenges, including low campaign funding and lack of formal opposition. Supporters vow to continue efforts to reform prison labor practices.
California voters have decided against Proposition 6, a measure that sought to amend the state constitution to ban forced prison labor. The current constitution prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime, allowing jails and prisons to use involuntary servitude as a form of punishment.
California voters have rejected a constitutional amendment that would have banned forced labor in all forms, maintaining the current exception for punishment of crime. This measure was part of a broader reparations effort addressing historical racism and discrimination against Black Californians. The decision contrasts with recent moves by states like Alabama and Oregon, which have removed similar exceptions from their constitutions.
California voters have rejected a constitutional amendment that would have banned forced labor in any form, maintaining the current exception for punishment of crime. This measure was part of a broader reparations effort addressing historical racism and discrimination against Black Californians. The decision contrasts with recent moves by other states like Alabama and Oregon, which have removed similar exceptions from their constitutions.
California voters rejected Proposition 6, a measure that would have ended forced labor in prisons by amending the state constitution to eliminate involuntary servitude as a form of criminal punishment. Despite support from Democratic leaders and advocacy groups, the measure failed, partly due to unclear ballot language. This decision contrasts with other states like Nevada, which have successfully removed similar language from their constitutions. Advocates argue that the current system hampers rehabilitation and perpetuates a legacy of exploitation.
A two-year AP investigation has revealed the extensive use of prison labor in the U.S. food industry, with prisoners working for pennies an hour or sometimes nothing at all, and facing punishment or jeopardizing their chances of parole if they refuse to work. The goods produced by these prisoners end up in the supply chains of major food companies and popular brands, including McDonald's, Walmart, and Cargill. Many of the companies buying directly from prisons are violating their own policies against the use of such labor, but it's legal under the 13th Amendment. Critics argue that incarcerated people should be paid fairly, treated humanely, and that all work should be voluntary.
A two-year investigation by The Associated Press has revealed the extensive use of prison labor in the US food industry, with products from prison farms and facilities making their way into the supply chains of major food companies and brands. Prisoners, often working for pennies an hour or nothing at all, are involved in producing goods ranging from cattle to crops, which end up in products sold by companies like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Cargill. The use of prison labor raises concerns about fair compensation, worker safety, and human rights, with some prisoners facing punishment or jeopardizing their chances of parole if they refuse to work. Despite companies violating their own policies against such labor, the practice is legal under the 13th Amendment, and efforts to challenge this clause are underway.
The Associated Press investigation reveals that U.S. prison labor supports a wide range of popular food brands, with goods produced by incarcerated individuals ending up in the supply chains of products from major companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald's, and Walmart. The investigation highlights the disproportionate impact on people of color, the legal and historical context of prison labor, and the involvement of large corporations and commodity traders. While some companies have acknowledged and are addressing their connections to prison labor, critics emphasize the need for fair compensation, humane treatment, and voluntary work for incarcerated individuals.
An investigation by The Associated Press has revealed that goods produced by U.S. prisoners are making their way into the supply chains of popular food brands, with people of color disproportionately affected. The use of prison labor, which is legal under the 13th Amendment, extends to a wide range of businesses, including giants like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Costco. While some companies have acknowledged connections to prison labor and are taking steps to address the issue, others have not responded to inquiries. Corrections officials argue that prison jobs provide valuable skills and a sense of purpose, but critics emphasize the need for fair compensation, humane treatment, and voluntary work.
A two-year AP investigation has revealed the intricate and hidden connection between U.S. prisoners and some of the world's largest food companies, with goods produced by incarcerated individuals ending up in the supply chains of popular brands like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Coca-Cola. Prisoners, often working for pennies an hour or nothing at all, are involved in producing agricultural products that are sold on the open market, with some goods even being exported. The use of prison labor, which is legal under the 13th Amendment, has raised concerns about fair compensation, worker safety, and the treatment of incarcerated individuals, prompting calls for reform and challenges to the constitutional clause.
A two-year AP investigation has revealed the extensive use of U.S. prisoners in the food industry, with products from prison labor entering the supply chains of major brands like McDonald’s, Walmart, and Cargill. The laborers, often excluded from basic protections, face harsh conditions and low pay, with some working on former slave plantations. While proponents argue that prison jobs save taxpayers money and provide skills for reintegration, critics call for fair pay, humane treatment, and voluntary work. Companies like Cargill and McDonald’s have acknowledged connections to prison labor, while others deny direct involvement. The use of prison labor, legal under the 13th Amendment, has deep historical roots and continues to raise ethical and legal questions.
Current and former prisoners in Alabama have filed a lawsuit alleging that the state's prison labor practices amount to a modern-day form of slavery. The plaintiffs, who are predominantly Black, argue that incarcerated individuals are forced to work for little or no pay, benefiting government entities and private businesses. The lawsuit also claims that the conditions within Alabama's prison system are inhumane and inherently coercive. The defendants include public officials, private employers, and leaders from the state's department of corrections and transportation. The lawsuit alleges violations of federal law, including the First Amendment and the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, as well as Alabama's state constitution, which recently banned all forms of slavery and involuntary servitude.
Current and former inmates in Alabama have filed a class-action lawsuit claiming that the state's prison labor program amounts to "modern day slavery." The suit alleges that prisoners are forced to work for little or no pay in jobs that benefit government entities or private companies, and accuses the state of maintaining a discriminatory parole system to ensure a supply of laborers. The lawsuit argues that the state is violating the U.S. Constitution, anti-human trafficking laws, and the Alabama Constitution. The state's Department of Corrections and attorney general's office declined to comment on the suit.