Do you know whether you purchase products made by prisoners in the U.S.?

Question

There is a government program known as Unicor, which apparently is a for-profit contractor in using cheap labor in prisons for a variety of products. This is the 21st century version of what was so offensive to Ashley in "Gone With the Wind." They are paid less than a dollar an hour, and still have to pay part of their room and board costs in the prison.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prison-industrial_complex

Answer 1

I used to purchase horse tack that was made by prisoners. It was wonderful, high quality leather-goods! However, the proceeds went back to the inmate, or his family as designated.
I always felt a little guilty, though. I paid about $25 for an all hand-braided bridle that would normally cost about $125 or more, and many other such bargains...
That is a little different than the program you are discussing.
Our local prison inmates make eyeglasses, for military and welfare programs.
I love the successful program of training shelter dogs! They have obedience trials and all! And the shelter dogs are easily adoptable after completitng the course.

Answer 2

if our prisoners are making products for sale here in the usa and is sold here to the citizens so what.. at least there are products that are being made here and being purchased.. get over it the inmates are in prison for punishment not vacationing.. think of punishing your child are you going to pay them well when they are grounded and you make them clean up a mess?? NO, GROW UP PEOPLE ... this is the prisons, they are working, not in there to get paid to play..

Answer 3

I see nothing wrong with it. The prisoners are taking the jobs voluntarily. They are well within their rights just to stay in their cells.

Answer 4

the prison in my area, make glasses. mostly for the military, but also for many other government agencies.

Answer 5

Everything I buy says Made in China on it.

Answer 6

what else do they have to do all day