Slavery by Another Name: Forced Labor in Georgia Prisons

Georgia prisoners must file grievances within just 10 days to challenge forced labor—an impossible deadline that blocks justice. The 13th Amendment's exception clause still enables slavery by another name. https://gps.press/slavery-by-another-name/

Georgia's prison labor system bears striking resemblance to the convict leasing regime that followed slavery—a system deliberately crafted to maintain racial control and economic exploitation. Today, incarcerated people across Georgia are compelled to work without pay or for pennies an hour, their labor sustaining state institutions and private companies. When they refuse work, they face solitary confinement and loss of visitation. How is forced prison labor still legal in 2024?

Georgia prisoners must file grievances within just 10 calendar days to challenge forced labor conditions—an unreasonably short deadline that prevents legal relief before courts even consider their claims. When incarcerated people refuse to work for free or pennies an hour, they face solitary confinement, loss of visitation, and other reprisals. This is slavery by another name, enabled by the 13th Amendment's exception clause. #GeorgiaPrisons #PrisonReform #CriminalJustice #GPS #MassIncarceration #Georgia

The International Trade Union Confederation has condemned Georgia for violations of the Forced Labor Convention, specifically naming the state for its widespread reliance on prison labor and historical continuity with racialized systems of forced work. Incarcerated people across Georgia are compelled to work without pay or for pennies an hour, producing license plates, manufacturing furniture, and maintaining roads through Georgia Correctional Industries. The 13th Amendment's exception clause continues to enable this exploitation, while a 10-day grievance deadline effectively blocks legal challenges. It's time for policymakers to address this systemic injustice and extend basic labor protections to incarcerated workers.