Booker Introduces Package of Bills to End Unfair and Abusive Labor Practices in U.S. Correctional Facilities

Statement

"The Thirteenth Amendment abolished slavery "except as a punishment for crime,' but this language has enabled and expanded the exploitation of incarcerated people in our country's prisons," said Senator Booker. "Of the more than 1.2 million people incarcerated in state and federal prisons, 65% of them work. Because fair labor standards are virtually nonexistent in U.S. prisons, incarcerated people are often compelled to work in abusive and unsafe conditions. They work for little to no pay, on average making between 13 and 52 cents per hour in most jobs. And if they refuse to work, they face retaliation by correctional officers and have limited avenues under federal law to fight for their civil rights. The current state of prison labor in America is inhumane and unacceptable. I'm proud to introduce these bills that would strengthen civil rights protections, improve workplace safety, enhance work opportunities, guarantee wages, and finally end these unfair, abusive labor practices for incarcerated people."

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