Prison Labor in the United States
Prison Life Prison Labor
Introduction to Prison Labor
In the United States all federal prisoners must work if they are able, and they are paid a small wage for their labor. Each state has its own policy concerning prison labor. Some critics view prison labor as exploitation of inmates, while others view it as beneficial because it significantly reduces inmate idleness.
Some inmates who are capable of working are employed within the institution, performing such tasks as food preparation and building maintenance. A small proportion of prisoners participate in prison industries-for-profit enterprises that produce a wide range of goods and services. In most jurisdictions, being assigned to work in prison industries constitutes a privilege. In 1998 nearly 80,000 state and federal inmates participated in for-profit prison industries. These industries manufactured a variety of goods, including agricultural products, garments and textiles, wood products, and furniture.
Through prison labor programs, some inmates learn skills that may help them find jobs in the private sector. Prison officials often assist inmates in job placements following release. Prison work teaches assorted skills, such as carpentry, computer programming, drafting, and electronics. Not all inmate labor is performed behind prison walls. In Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the Howard Johnson Company has established a reservations center for its hotels and motels. Several inmates from the nearby Mabel Bassett Correctional Center, a multiple-security-level facility for women, work as receptionists in this center.” (1)
Lifted: Prohibition Lifted on Certain Imports Produced by Prison Labor in the History of U.S. Economic Sanctions Imposed against China
Date of the sanction(s): DECEMBER 18, 1993
On November 15, 1993, United States Customs Service determined that apparel manufactured by the Qinghe Hosiery Factory in Beijing manufactured with the use of convict, forced, and/or indentured labor, was no longer likely to be imported into the United States, and that the earlier restriction was no longer necessary. The new determination took effect on December 18, 1993.
Sanctions by Authority:
Sec. 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 [P.L. 71-361; 19 U.S.C. 1307]; Customs Service T.D. 93-94 (58 F.R. 65235)
Occasion(s) Detailed
See July 13, 1992, for original sanction
Note: Based on the China: U.S. Economic Sanctions Report.
Prohibition on Certain Imports Produced by Prison Labor in the History of U.S. Economic Sanctions Imposed against China
Note: the status of this economic sanction is: Active
Date of the sanction(s): MARCH 23, 1992
On January 27, 1992, United States Customs Service determined that certain diesel engines manufactured by the Golden Horse (“JINMA”) Diesel Engine Factory in China were being manufactured with the use of convict, forced, and/or indentured labor, and could therefore be prohibited from importation into the United States, or seized by Customs officials on importation. The prohibition on importation took effect on March 23, 1992.
Sanctions by Authority:
Sec. 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 [P.L. 71-361; 19 U.S.C. 1307]; Customs Service T.D. 92-27 (57 F.R. 9469)
Note: Based on the China: U.S. Economic Sanctions Report.
Prohibition on Certain Imports Produced by Prison Labor in the History of U.S. Economic Sanctions Imposed against China
Note: the status of this economic sanction is: Active
Date of the sanction(s): AUGUST 19, 1992
On July 22, 1992, United States Customs Service determined that certain machine presses or mechanical stamping presses manufactured by the Xuzhou Forging and Pressing Machine Works in Jiangsu Province were being manufactured with the use of convict, forced, and/or indentured labor, and could therefore be prohibited from importation into the United States, or seized by Customs officials on importation. The prohibition on importation took effect on or before August 19, 1992.
Sanctions by Authority:
Sec. 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 [P.L. 71-361; 19 U.S.C. 1307]; Customs Service T.D. 92-78 (57 F.R. 36688)
Note: Based on the China: U.S. Economic Sanctions Report.
Prohibition on Certain Imports Produced by Prison Labor in the History of U.S. Economic Sanctions Imposed against China
Note: the status of this economic sanction is: Active
Date of the sanction(s): APRIL 29, 1996
On March 20, 1996, United States Customs Service determined that certain iron pipe fittings manufactured by the Tianjin Malleable Iron Factory in Tianjin Municipality were being manufactured with the use of convict, forced, and/or indentured labor, and could therefore be prohibited from importation into the United States, or seized by Customs officials on importation. The prohibition on importation took effect on or before April 29, 1996.
Sanctions by Authority:
Sec. 307 of the Tariff Act of 1930 [P.L. 71-361; 19 U.S.C. 1307]; Customs Service T.D. 96-34 (61 F.R. 17956)
Note: Based on the China: U.S. Economic Sanctions Report.
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Notes and References
- Information about Prison Labor in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia
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