Rethinking prison labor and exploitation

Originally published in the Arizona Daily Star on Tucson.com

The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:

In the ongoing debate about prison labor, there’s intense scrutiny on hourly wages, especially when a private employer is involved. The narrative is straightforward: Prison labor is automatically seen as exploitation if the wage doesn’t meet a certain threshold. But is this the proper lens through which we should view the issue? While wage is undeniably important, it’s a fragment of a much larger, more complex picture.

The United States is grappling with a massive incarceration problem. Since the 1970s, our prison population has surged by a staggering 700%. Around 2.3 million individuals are behind bars today, with nearly 650,000 being released annually. The grim reality they face upon reentry is a lack of marketable skills and subsequent unemployment. This bleak landscape, combined with the fact that joblessness is the No. 1 predictor of incarceration, leads to the alarming statistic that approximately two-thirds will be rearrested within three years of release. This cycle is not only devastating for individuals and their families but also burdens our nation with an annual cost of $182 billion.

This backdrop underscores a pressing imperative: we must amplify our support, intensify our programs, and expand opportunities within prison walls. Men and women not only deserve meaningful work upon release, but they also have a right to it. To stand a fighting chance in the competitive job market, they must be armed with skills honed during their incarceration.

For-profit companies have a pivotal role to play in this transformation. By hiring men and women as they are released and investing in their development while incarcerated, these organizations can be a catalyst for change. While this investment can be channeled through the nonprofit sector, the for-profit sector’s involvement is crucial because it can offer incarcerated individuals the immediate opportunity to practice their newly acquired skills through on-the-job experience and build professional networks that will provide support, mentorship, and job opportunities after release. Yet, many for-profit companies hesitate, fearing the “exploiter” label. This apprehension is a roadblock to progress.

Given this context, while compensation is a part of the conversation, focusing solely on it overlooks the broader complexities of the incarceration system and its aftermath. It’s essential to recognize that the compensation an incarcerated individual receives is determined by each state’s department of corrections, which can vary widely. For this reason, we must ask deeper questions about a for-profit company’s use of prison labor.

What skills are incarcerated individuals acquiring? Are they building professional networks that could aid their career growth and development? Are there continuous learning opportunities to keep their skills updated and relevant? Are there post-release prospects stemming from their work experience? Will the company support these men and women as they reenter their communities?

In short, are companies making long-term investments in these individuals even after leaving prison? That’s what we need to look at because, for incarcerated individuals, success is a long game.

Understanding these intricacies underscores companies’ critical role in the rehabilitation process. Companies must offer programs that support reentry, like life skills training, career readiness, job placement, and access to higher education — alongside fair wages — to truly be pivotal in reshaping prison labor. This comprehensive approach is what truly defines total compensation. Before sounding the alarm on exploitation, it’s necessary to consider not just the compensation but also the skills and experiences essential for successful reentry and meaningful post-release employment.

It’s time to redefine exploitation. To me, exploitation is when incarcerated individuals are not provided with the tools, skills, opportunities, and support to rebuild their lives long-term. A wage, no matter how competitive, that doesn’t lead to empowerment and long-term growth is hollow.

Our focus should be twofold: addressing the underlying issues that lead to incarceration and enhancing employability. This means providing real-world job experiences within prison walls and collaborating with organizations — for-profit and non-profit — that offer skills-based programs. The goal? Ensuring that upon release, these individuals are not just seeking jobs but are competitive candidates in the hiring process.

The challenge of prison reform is vast, demanding a unified effort from the government, corrections facilities, for-profit and non-profit organizations, and society. We must recognize that the issues extend beyond just wages; they encompass many systemic challenges and societal oversights.

Let’s ask more questions before deciding or settling on a singular narrative. Let’s challenge ourselves to understand the full scope of the situation, considering every factor and nuance. By broadening our perspective, we can pave the way for a system that genuinely rehabilitates and empowers.