Incarcerated Workers: The Forgotten Members of the Working Class

When we think of the working class, we often picture blue-collar workers, laborers, and union members. But there is a group of workers that is often overlooked and forgotten – the incarcerated workers. These individuals, who are serving time in prisons and jails across the country, are an essential part of the working class and their labor deserves recognition and attention.

Award-winning journalist Kim Kelly has been a vocal advocate for incarcerated workers, highlighting their struggles and organizing efforts. In a recent interview, she stated that “we are not telling the real history of labor in this country if we’re not focusing on the organizing efforts and the labor of people who are in prison.” And she is absolutely right.

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with over 2.3 million people behind bars. The majority of these individuals are people of color, and a significant portion of them are serving time for non-violent offenses. They are not just criminals, they are also workers – forced to work for pennies or even for free.

Incarcerated workers are often employed by private companies that contract with prisons and jails to use their labor for manufacturing, agriculture, and other industries. These companies take advantage of the cheap labor and make huge profits, while the incarcerated workers are paid only a fraction of what they would earn in the outside world.

But despite these exploitative conditions, incarcerated workers have been organizing and fighting for better working conditions and wages. In 2016, prisoners across the country participated in a nationwide strike to protest against forced labor and inhumane living conditions. Their demands were simple – to be paid fair wages and to be treated with dignity and respect.

Their organizing efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, prisoners in several states went on strike again, this time to protest against the inhumane conditions in prisons, including overcrowding, lack of access to healthcare, and abuse by prison staff. Their strike received widespread media coverage and brought attention to the ongoing issue of prison labor and the need for prison reform.

But it’s not just about the labor they provide while in prison. Many incarcerated workers also have valuable skills and talents that go untapped. With proper training and support, they could contribute to the workforce once they are released. However, due to their criminal record, they often face barriers to employment, making it difficult for them to reintegrate into society and provide for themselves and their families.

It’s time to recognize and acknowledge the labor of incarcerated workers. They are not just prisoners, they are also workers who deserve fair treatment and compensation for their labor. By ignoring their contribution to the working class, we are perpetuating a system of exploitation and injustice.

We must also address the underlying issues that lead to mass incarceration, such as poverty, systemic racism, and lack of access to education and employment opportunities. We need to invest in rehabilitation and reintegration programs that will help incarcerated individuals successfully re-enter society and become productive members of the workforce.

Incarcerated workers are an integral part of the working class, and their labor should not be overlooked or devalued. As a society, we must recognize their humanity and support their efforts to organize and fight for their rights. It’s time to tell the real history of labor in this country – one that includes the contributions and struggles of incarcerated workers.