The UAW has been fighting prison labor since I have been a member. But we are weakened now

[NNN0LHI]

http://prop1.org/legal/prisons/labor.htm

Prison Labor: Workin' For The Man

By Reese Erlich

<snip>The experience of the Texas AFL-CIO and the laid-off Austin workers explains why the trade union movement has been among the most active opponents of private prisons and prison labor in general. In a few cases, unions have successfully fought prison industries. United Auto Workers (UAW) union members were shocked when they learned that Weastec Corporation in Ohio hired prisoners to assemble Honda parts. The company paid the state $2.05 an hour for inmate labor. From that, the prisoners got 35 cents an hour.

UAW Region 2 Director Warren Davis says the deal threatened union jobs even more than cheap parts imported under NAFTA. "No smaller employer could compete for that contract with Honda", says Davis.

Crying foul,the UAW Community Action Program contacted local legislators, other unions, and the media. State Rep. Rocco Colonna successfully sponsored bills in the Ohio House of Representatives banning prison industries from taking over civilian jobs. Although the legislation never passed the state senate, the pressure forced Honda to eliminate the prison labor contract in 1992.

"Honda backed off", says Davis, "because they didn't feel the negative publicity was worth it."

[ejpoeta]

1. how ridiculous!! you know in NYS we have a crisis and he state parks are closed.

and while no one wants to have to pay taxes for it, people are pissed that the state parks are closed. one of the ideas someone posted???? let's get prisoners out there to do upkeep like they keep the sides of the roads clean. really!!! friggin slave labor. what a GREAT IDEA!! sometimes i don't understand people.

[ThomWV]

5. Just two things ...

First, think of the headlines in the right wing press: "Democrats Give Prisoners a Day in the Park"

Then the next thing that comes to mind, and this will probably ring a bell with people who have camped in state parks, just how many escapes do you thing would result?

[NNN0LHI]

7. Inmates doing dirty work for cash-strapped cities

http://heraldnet.com/article/20100522/NEWS01/705229898

Published: Saturday, May 22, 2010

Inmates doing dirty work for cash-strapped cities

By Andy Rathbun
Herald Writer

MONROE — The city needed a hand planting flowers this year, and so turned to some unlikely help: convicted felons.

On Thursday, a group of prisoners from the Monroe Correctional Complex worked under the eyes of a correctional officer, planting brightly colored impatiens on W. Main Street.

Parks director Mike Farrell said that effort marks the beginning of a revived relationship between the city and the prison. The partnership will help the city handle odd jobs around town, while giving prisoners access to honest work, Farrell said.

“It’s a win-win,” Farrell said.

Monroe officials aren’t the only ones who see the benefit of prison labor, a potentially cheap and effective tool. The Monroe prison has sent inmates to work in the community for years.

The prison now has 20 open contracts with municipalities such as Snohomish County, Lake Stevens and Marysville.

[ejpoeta]

12. how is this not slave labor?? how!!! and it undermines local businesses who have to pay a minimum

wage!! ever watch the shawshank redemption???

[Scuba]

2. Slave labor... why do you think pot is illegal?

[Omaha Steve]

3. K&R!

[Odin2005]

4. Ugh, prison slave labor needs to be banned ASAP.

This is the PTB trying to reestablish slavery through the back door.

[SocialistLez]

9. or they at least to make sure INMATES receive minimum wage. NT

[madrchsod]

6. it was 15ct in illinois a few years back.

key brand clothes was a big customers

[NNN0LHI]

8. Out of work? Go to jail they will give you a job. There is your jobs program

If this thread can't get any attention you know we are fucked.

Fucked real good too.

Don

[Dystopian]

10. KandR.

peace~

[tridim]

11. Warden Norton's "inside-out" program?

[ejpoeta]

13. omg! i just mentioned this movie in a reply on this thread!!

first thing i thought of.