Catherwood LibraryILR School

Inmates across the United States began striking today to protest the slave-like conditions they endure working in their prisons. 45 years ago today, prisoners in New York’s Attica Correctional Facility rioted for better conditions. Today’s strike could potentially be the largest prison strike in history, and one riot has already been reported in Florida. Inmates are hoping to put an end to the forced labor they are victim to, an issue they have attempted to draw attention to in the past through nonviolent protests and work stoppages. Prisoners can earn as low as 15 cents per hour doing tasks that keep their facilities running. Lucky prisoners land coveted positions working for companies such as Victoria’s Secret, who sometimes outsource their labor to U.S. jails. The strike is expected to last multiple days and many facilities may order a lockdown to prevent rioting.