A Hidden Workforce: Prison Labor, Human Rights, and the Legacy of Slavery

The passage of the 13th Amendment following the American Civil War abolished slavery and involuntary servitude, but it included a crucial exception: “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.” This exception allowed southern governments to institute an early version of prison labor called convict leasing. Black Americans arrested for minor offenses, once imprisoned, were effectively purchased from state and local governments by individuals and companies looking to continue using cheap labor. This allowed individuals and companies to keep slavery in action. Though the practice of convict leasing ended in the mid-20th century, its infamous traits can still be seen in today’s incarceration system. 

Today, the majority of incarcerated workers in the US, who are disproportionately Black and people of color, are often required to work or face retaliation such as solitary confinement, denial of opportunities to reduce their sentence, and loss of family visitation. They work jobs that might pay pennies on the hour, if they are paid at all, and are often not protected by labor laws. Many work in dangerous conditions. At the same time, some find deep purpose in their work behind bars, an opportunity to build skills, and support in making a successful transition to life after incarceration.

In this webinar — which took place on October 10, 2024 — we explore the history and conditions of work for incarcerated people and ideas for creating more humane and dignified work for those behind bars. Our speakers include:

• Andrea Armstrong, Dr. Norman C. Francis Distinguished Professor of Law, Loyola University New Orleans College of Law; Founder, IncarcerationTransparency.org

• Anthony Cantillo, Deputy Commissioner, Maine Department of Corrections

• Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer, AFL-CIO

• Terrance Winn, Founder and Director, Priorities, Intentions, Practical Exchanges (PIPES)

• Margie Mason (moderator), Investigative Reporter, The Associated Press

• Matt Helmer (opening and closing remarks), Managing Director, The Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Program

For more information about this event, including a transcript, speaker bios, and additional resources, visit: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/events/a-hidden-workforce-prison-labor-human-rights-and-the-legacy-of-slavery/

For highlights from this discussion, subscribe to EOP’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AspenEOP

Or subscribe to the “Opportunity in America” podcast to listen on the go: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/aspeneop

Join us October 23 on Zoom for our next webinar, “Community Benefits Agreements: A Tool for Creating Good Jobs,” hosted in partnership with Jobs to Move America. Click here to RSVP: https://aspeninstitute.zoom.us/webinar/register/8117286582590/WN_l4Lcw4p5Qji2hC7BgeuUOQ