A new report has shed light on the labor practices within US prisons, highlighting some concerning trends. The report, which was submitted to the International Labor Organization (ILO), examines the use of prison labor and its implications for human rights and economic stability.

According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics, a significant number of prisoners in the US engage in work that maintains their own prisons, including tasks such as cooking, cleaning, construction, and maintenance. However, many prisoners do not receive fair compensation for their labor.

A closer look at specific states reveals inconsistent pay practices. In some cases, prisoners are not paid for certain types of work assignments, while in others, a significant portion of their wages may be deducted to cover various expenses such as fines, taxes, and support payments.

The average hourly wage for non-industrial prisoners in the US is relatively low. Additionally, federal programs like UNICOR have been generating revenue through the sale of goods and services produced by prison labor. In 2021, these sales generated over $2 billion in revenue for state correctional industries and over $404 million for federal prisons.

Some private companies are also involved in prison labor, partnering with correctional industries or hiring prisoners directly through programs like the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program (PIECP). This arrangement can provide companies with cost savings, but it may not always align with fair labor practices.

Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the impact of forced prison labor on individuals and society as a whole. The exploitation of prisoners raises questions about the value placed on human dignity and the integrity of our economic systems.