Blas Sanchez, a former Arizona prisoner who lost his leg in a work-related accident, is just one example of the hundreds of thousands of prisoners put to work every year in dangerous jobs with little or no training. A two-year investigation by The Associated Press found that prisoners are often denied basic rights and protections afforded to other American workers while working for some of the world’s largest companies. The investigation uncovered cases of prisoners being seriously injured or killed while working in industrial-sized farms, meat-processing plants, and even fighting wildfires.
Prison labor has a long history in the United States, beginning during slavery and continuing to grow into a multibillion-dollar industry with little oversight. Laws in some states explicitly state that prisoners are not classified as employees, which exempts them from workers’ compensation benefits and health and safety regulations. The lack of data on injuries and deaths among incarcerated workers, as well as privacy laws, make it difficult to know the full extent of the problem. Reports from states like California and logs from Arizona’s corrections department show numerous instances of injuries, ranging from minor cuts to severed limbs.
While some prison jobs are voluntary and sought after by prisoners for the opportunity to earn money and gain skills, others are mandatory and come with punishments for refusal. Inmates are often denied the ability to protest poor conditions or seek legal recourse if they are injured on the job. The investigation found that many prisoners work for minimal pay, and in some cases, deductions can take up to 60% of their wages. Despite the dangerous working conditions, it can be challenging for prisoners to seek legal representation and pursue compensation for their injuries.
Several high-profile cases highlighted in the investigation, including the death of 22-year-old Shawna Lynn Jones, an incarcerated firefighter in California, shed light on the risks faced by prisoners in the workplace. Prisoners are often sent to work during emergencies and disasters, exposing them to dangerous situations without proper protections. The investigation also found instances of poor medical care for injured prisoners, with some being denied pain medication and adequate treatment for their injuries.
The investigation also revealed the challenges faced by family members of prisoners who are injured or killed on the job, including navigating the complex legal system and seeking compensation. Cases like that of Marco Sanchez, a prisoner who was injured in a tornado-related accident while on work release, demonstrate the lack of support and resources available to incarcerated workers. Despite efforts to bring attention to the issue and advocate for change, many prisoners continue to face hardships and barriers to seeking justice.
In response to the investigation, companies connected to prison labor, such as Cargill and Walmart, have pledged to address the issue and ensure that prison labor is not part of their supply chains. However, the lack of oversight and accountability in the prison labor system makes it difficult to enforce these commitments. The investigation serves as a reminder of the need for reform in the treatment of incarcerated workers and the importance of upholding their basic rights and protections in the workplace.
