Alabama’s prison labor system faces scrutiny after a deadly van crash exposed widespread issues tied to inmate work programs. Jake Jones, an incarcerated worker with prior escape attempts and failed drug tests, was driving a van of prisoners through heavy rain when it crashed, killing two men and critically injuring others. Survivors questioned why Jones, known for reckless driving, was entrusted with their safety. “They knew he had a propensity to drink,” said Shawn Wasden, a survivor. “And they put him behind the wheel of a van anyway.”
The state’s use of prisoners as laborers dates back over 150 years, evolving from convict leasing to modern work-release programs. Over 500 businesses have utilized this labor, generating $250 million for the state since 2000. Prisoners work jobs ranging from fast-food service to manufacturing car parts but often face deductions, leaving them with as little as $100 to $200 after 40-hour weeks. Refusing work can lead to punishment, including loss of visitation and parole denial. “It is a symptom of a completely, utterly broken system,” said lawmaker Chris England.
Arthur Ptomey, a current worker, was denied parole after refusing a job at KFC over low wages. “I’m grateful to come out and work, but I ain’t come in here to be a slave,” he said. Ptomey and others filed a federal lawsuit comparing prison labor to modern-day slavery.
Despite Alabama banning slavery-related language in its constitution, prisoners face coercion under threat of parole denials and unsafe conditions. Recent reports highlight deaths from workplace accidents, such as Braxton Moon, who died in a hit-and-run while holding a traffic sign. His mother, Angela Lindsey, recounted learning about his death through social media before officials contacted her.
State officials defend the programs as preparing inmates for reentry, but critics argue they exploit labor and prioritize profits. Reflecting Alabama’s history of convict leasing, Douglas Blackmon noted, “It’s something that people have figured out how to make a lot of money on again.” Prison labor remains deeply ingrained in Alabama’s economic and penal systems, sparking ongoing debates about fairness and reform.
Link: AP News