Inmate Labor

The utilization of prison labor for the purpose of clearing urban blight and renovating abandoned homes in Detroit would be cost effective and could rapidly change the face of Detroit for the better. However there are those that would undoubtedly oppose the use of inmate workers no matter how noble the cause. But who could be against the the demolition of dilapidated structures that cover Detroit’s neighborhoods? Who would oppose the use of inmate workers in helping to turn around this once great city? I shall explore the opposition to the use of prisoner labor in general and shall explore possible local stakeholders that may oppose the use of a inmate work force in Detroit as well. I shall then show that most of the opposition to the use of prison labor base their arguments in their personal biases and there opposition is driven by personal /political gains and not what is best for the city and the people of Detroit.

Opposition

The opposition to the use of inmate labor could come form several sources Some human rights advocates would compare the use of inmate Labor to a form of slavery. Some human rights organizations would state the inmates are either coerced or out right forced into working against there will. That inmate labor is just another way for corporations or the government to make money at the expense of someone else. To the contrary in modern times in the United States inmate labor is comprised primarily of volunteers. The inmates choose to work for many reasons. In county jails it is common for inmates to receive time off of their sentences in exchange for working. According to the Michigan Dept. of Corrections which recently developed a program that utilizes inmate labor in the construction of homes.“The Prison Build Program educates and provides hands-on training to inmates in the building trades and horticulture industries. The inmates construct walls, cabinets, trim and other housing components; build entire homes; design and create...