From Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez Desk – Highlights the Unfair Prison Labor Practices During the Covid-19

This article highlights the unfair prison labor practices that have been exacerbated during the Covid-19 pandemic. Inmates have been working for pennies in dangerous conditions. At one prison, inmates were making masks but were not allowed to wear them.

I introduced legislation calling on the City to identify a process that would prohibit the purchase of goods and services manufactured by prison labor. As a City dedicated to fairness and equality for all, we must daylight unfair labor practices in our criminal justice system and take the steps necessary to address these injustices. Creating systemic change requires us to reevaluate all areas where we sustain practices meant to suppress communities of color.

https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-10-11/california-prison-factories-inmates-covid-19