Benefiting From Bars
It is very surprising to know how many corporations, businesses, and companies use prison labor for their benefit. Some could say it benefits the inmates as well. The gains vary from each side. It can be a win - win situation.
When it comes to monetary gain the ones that benefit greatly from invested prison labor are some popular companies. Included in the list are fast food, department stores, insurance, banking, utilities – gas, oil, electricity, prescription drugs, and the list goes on. The low cost labor and expected steady rate of production from the prisons is highly appealing to those companies.
For inmates the pay rate is small, but they can derive the sense of pride plus earn monetary compensation. The compensation can vary as well depending on the company. There have been cases in which some inmates after release continued to work for the same company. That is generous of certain companies who offer that employment outside of prisons. It would otherwise be difficult for many to obtain employment with a conviction. A second chance per se.
Inmates contribute greatly with their services and sometimes the greater reward is to be useful. In contrast to do nothing all day is more a punishment for some. For those who are truly guilty and paying their restitution through labor is respectable. Those that are unjustly serving time due to innocence keeps their bodies and minds occupied from the stress otherwise. In addition the opportunity must be earned so it is not always granted for all to become employed.
One argument could be that the pay rate should be higher. Considering yet how much cost is incurred to house an inmate with all the amenities, is actually quite reasonable. As the saying goes. Do the crime, pay the time. In this arrangement though it is getting paid for your time while serving for the crime. A good exchange…