I put this question in another category, now does R&Ss want a turn?

Question

I just learned today that there is a for-profit company called Unicor that uses federal prisoners as cheap labor. Since a wide variety of people are in prison for non-violent and victimless crimes, isn't this effectively a conflict of interest? We have the highest prison population in the world: perhaps this is the reason why. This contracting agency is making mega-bucks and paying the prisoners peanuts.

Unicor calls it "the best-kept secret in outsourcing." Is this an appropriate use of prison labor?

I agree there's a place for prison labor, and paying the victim or his family is one valid reason. What I'm wondering about is the conflict of interest. It makes money to put people in prison, so what's the incentive to reform the laws? And it gives the same treatment to non-violent offenders as it does to violent ones. Contracting out prison labor was outlawed early in the 20th century; why is it back? And such profits!!! The next big push will be to round up illegal aliens for labor camps; you mark my words.

http://www.unicor.gov/

Jason, if they got minimum wage, that might make some sense. But there's still the fact that they get no benefits, no time off, no vacations, and Unicor makes huge profits. I see nothing wrong in prisoners working to take care of the prison, even make license plates and office furniture for the state or federal government. My problem is that this private corporation is going to be influencing Congress not to reform drug laws and other victimless crime laws as long as they are making profits off the prisoners. There are also private companies building prisons "on spec," and leasing them to states. So then they need lots of arrests and long sentences to make those prisons pay. And many are victimless, like old ladies in prison because they refused to testify against their grandchildren about drugs.

Answer 1

I have not heard of this... can you post a link to the info you're describing?

Edit: Thanks for posting the link. I've considered your question, and I have to say there is something kinda creepy about this. I haven't been able to put my finger on it, that'll take a few days of internal debate, but there's something about this that isn't quite right...

Answer 2

I say yes, only if it could be run free of corruption. The money made by Unicor and the prisoners should be used to relieve taxpayer's and victims (when applicable) Just think of the Enron Exec's paying back shareholders out of their prison wages. Minimun wage minus 80% for cost of confinement/ fines.that would leave 20% to by their canteen with and learn how the majority of the world lives.

Answer 3

I think prisoners should have to work while they are in prison and not get paid much for it. So that sounds right to me. But as far as that company making such a profit off of them, that's not right. Only the state should employ them and put the money back into the state benefits or the prison system itself.

Answer 4

I was just telling someone that I beleived the the prision sentences should be more stiff. I personally believe in the death penalty and it needs to be used more often. People should not be able to get away with murder, rape, etc and not have to pay a high price. I know this is off the subject of what you were asking. I do not believe that Unicor sould be in business.

Answer 5

For Unicor it is. No charge as everything is paid by the state (food, health, housing), all profit to them.

Answer 6

You are assuming that the work will get done by someone else if the prisoners do not do it. This is usually not the case.

Answer 7

Yes I think that they should be working. I don't have a problem at all with it.
Helps pay back society by giving us some cheaper goods.

Answer 8

Do you understand Unicor ?? Do you fully understand their function ??. Don't start something over which you don't understand. Be knowledgeable in posting your question.

Answer 9

I think prisoners *literally* owe a debt to society and should work it off while in prison.

Answer 10

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