“Made in America” — How Corporations Are Making a Killing Off Cheap Prison Labor

By Carolanne Wright

Contributing Writer for Wake Up World

Chances are high that if a product you’re holding says it is “American Made”, it was made in an American prison. ~ U.S. Uncut

For decades now, there has been a push in the United States to support the economy by purchasing items produced in America. On the surface, it seems straightforward, logical and downright patriotic not to outsource work to countries like China or India. But if you dig a bit deeper, you’ll discover a dark secret behind many American manufacturing industries.

When slavery was officially abolished in 1865, the 13th amendment allowed for a loophole which has kept the practice alive and well in the “Land of the Free.” While general slavery was banned under the amendment, it can still be used as a punishment for crime. For over a century, the titans of industry have been taking full advantage of this opportunity — and current day corporations are no exception.

Slave Labor, Profiteering and Other Corporate Maneuvering

Proponents of prison labor believe the experience and skills inmates glean from work helps to prepare them for a brighter future once released back into the world. And, to a certain extent, this is true — except for the fact that, on average, inmates work 8 hours a day and make between $0.23-$1.15 per hour — the top rate a mere sixth of the federal minimum wage. Some would argue the low earnings in and of themselves wouldn’t be enough to condemn the practice, since prison isn’t the appropriate place to earn a fortune.

The ethical dilemma lies with the corporations who are profiting from cheap prison labor. It’s not just that these companies are paying pennies on the dollar for production costs, they also receive enormous tax breaks to the tune of millions a year.

“The point is corporations are profiting off of other peoples’ miseries. In order to impact the prison system, we have to try to take out if we can the profit-money motive,” said Michael Allen, a prison reform advocate. “I’ve gotten a lot of flak that this is rehabilitation, but it’s not real rehabilitation. It smells like someone is exploiting these prisoners and tax law for their own corporate profit.” [Source]

Unfortunately, you would be hard-pressed to find a major company in the U.S. who didn’t use some form of prison labor.

CONTINUE READING:

Previous articles by Carolanne Wright:

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