Georgia Considers Replacing Firefighters With Free Prison Laborers [View All]

[workinclasszero]

Source: thinkprogress.org

Georgia Considers Replacing Firefighters With Free Prison Laborers

By Marie Diamond on Oct 11, 2011 at 11:10 am

Forcing prison inmates to work as unpaid laborers is not a new practice, but GOP-controlled states are increasing taking the idea to extremes as they face budget shortfalls and refuse to raise taxes. Under Gov. Scott Walker (R-WI) anti-collective bargaining law, at least one Wisconsin county replaced some union workers with prison labor. Inmates are not paid for their work, but may receive time off of their sentences.

Now Camden County in Georgia is considering tasking prisoners to take on one of the most dangerous jobs there is: fighting fires. Using prisoners as firefighters is a cost-cutting measure that’s expected to save the county a bundle:

A select group of inmates may be exchanging their prison jumpsuits for firefighting gear in Camden County.

Read more: http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2011/10/11/340328/georgia-considers-replacing-firefighters-with-free-prison-laborers/

---

Just another day in the life of Wall Street occupied America.

How's that tea party thingie workin for ya Georgia?