Congress: End Forced Labor in Prisons

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Right now, people incarcerated in the United States are only making pennies per hour of work – stripped of even basic protections preventing abuse and exploitation.

Despite the 13th Amendment abolishing slavery and involuntary servitude over 150 years ago, forced, unpaid labor persists – due in large part to the "exception clause" of the 13th Amendment. This clause leaves a loophole allowing forced labor for people who have been convicted of crimes. While incarcerated people do essential and often dangerous work – like the firefighters putting their lives on the line against some of California's most devastating wildfires – they've too often been met with pennies and no protections.

The Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act would guarantee incarcerated workers the federal minimum wage, extending basic labor protections, and allowing them to support themselves and their families. Urge your representatives to pass this bill and fight to end forced and unpaid labor today.

The recipients:

Your U.S. House Representative and Senators

The message:

Right now, people incarcerated in the United States are only making pennies per hour of work – stripped of even basic protections preventing abuse and exploitation.

The recipients:

Your U.S. House Representative and Senators

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Your Message

Subject Pass the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act

As your constituent, I'm urging you to co-sponsor the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act. People who are incarcerated, including those risking their lives as firefighters and performing essential work, deserve to be paid fairly for their labor. Fair wages promote dignity, support families, and help people successfully reenter their communities.

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Fair wages are about more than pay. This law would provide justice, racial equity, and real pathways to opportunity. Please do everything in your power to pass the Fair Wages for Incarcerated Workers Act today.

Sincerely,

[First Name] [Last Name]

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Congress: End Forced Labor in Prisons

Most recent signers:

The message:

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The message:

The recipients:

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