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.

  • Chozo
    12•1 day ago

    I think that’s usually the case for prisoners with jobs inside the prison. Cleaning, cooking, maintenance, etc, are often done for pennies by other inmates.

    Since this is a third-party employer from the “outside”, I imagine they still have to pay something closer to minimum wage, even if the prison does take a huge cut of it.

    • @abigscaryhobo
      6•1 day ago

      Yep, because theyre actually being “employed” the businesses have to adhere to labor law for minimum wage, but the prison can use loopholes and exploits to take that money from them or skim off the top. When they’re working in the prison the legal lines are intentionally blurry on if they’re actually “employed” or not

      • @MutilationWave
        2•21 hours ago

        The lines aren’t that blurry, the 13th amendment abolished all slavery except for people convicted of a crime.