It’s time for companies to end the exploitation of prison labor

Previously published on Tucson.com

The recent AP article highlighting the exploitation of prison labor is a glaring reminder of the systemic issues plaguing our correctional facilities. As a for-profit company working with incarcerated women for nearly three decades, we at Televerde take these revelations seriously. Such practices not only harm individuals but also perpetuate a damaging stigma around prison labor, making it challenging for companies that want to engage in ethical practices to do so without fear of being wrongly associated with exploitative behaviors.

The key to transforming prison labor is shifting our perspective from exploitation to empowerment. A prison job should not be an end but a steppingstone to greater opportunities upon release. It should empower individuals to reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives from the inside out. This philosophy guides our company and is crucial for any organization seeking to work with the incarcerated community.

To create a successful partnership within prisons, companies must focus on several core principles:

Skill Development and Education: Programs should provide meaningful skill development aligned with current market demands. Education and training should not be limited to job-specific skills but should also include personal development and life skills.

Fair Compensation and Treatment: Incarcerated workers should receive fair compensation for their labor. This includes wages that respect their work and contributions and working conditions that uphold their dignity and safety.

Post-Release Opportunities: The ultimate goal of prison labor programs should be to prepare individuals for successful reentry into society. This means providing pathways to employment post-release and support in transitioning back into the community.

Choice and Agency: Incarcerated individuals must have a say in their work and future. This includes having choices in the type of work they do and being part of a program that ignites their passion and interest.

Collaboration with Correctional Facilities: Effective programs require a collaborative approach with correctional facilities. This collaboration should create an environment that supports learning, growth, and positive outcomes for incarcerated individuals.

Transparency and Accountability: Companies must operate transparently and be accountable for their practices. This includes being open about their operations and actively engaging with stakeholders to address concerns and improve practices.

Community and Societal Impact: The impact of these programs should extend beyond the individual. They should contribute positively to the community and society, reducing recidivism and aiding rehabilitation and reentry.

Understanding the “why” behind these changes is crucial. The United States faces a national crisis with more than 2.3 million men and women in jails and prisons. More than 650,000 individuals are released each year, and alarmingly, studies indicate that approximately two-thirds are likely to be rearrested within three years of release. The primary predictor of recidivism? Joblessness! This cycle of incarceration and re-incarceration not only devastates individual lives but also imposes significant social and economic burdens on our communities and the nation as a whole.

We want to make clear that it is morally reprehensible for any company to exploit prison labor for financial gain or to be complicit in benefiting from products and services resulting from such abuse. This exploitation is a failure of ethics and a missed opportunity to contribute positively to the rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals eager to turn their lives around.

To right this ship, a concerted effort is needed from all sectors of society – government, non-profits, and for-profit organizations. Working together, we can create a more just and effective system that reduces recidivism and fosters rehabilitation, reintegration, and actual societal change.

Redefining prison labor is necessary. We must move beyond the exploitative practices that have marred this sector and create opportunities that genuinely benefit those involved. By focusing on empowerment, skill development, and sustainable post-release opportunities, we can transform prison labor into a force for positive change.