Dear Pamela, When wildfires tore through Los Angeles earlier this year, the headlines were flooded with stories about incarcerated firefighters risking their lives to protect our communities while being paid little for their service.
This injustice isn't new. For decades, California has relied on people held in prison to combat seasonal wildfires.
While incarcerated, I personally put my life on the line battling dangerous wildfires. The work was physically and mentally grueling, but it gave me a sense of purpose, a chance to do good, and the possibility of coming home early. Despite their experience, many incarcerated firefighters are barred from continuing this work when they return home because of their conviction history.
Incarcerated firefighters keep our communities safe. They deserve workplace protections, fair wages, and a real chance to succeed when they return home. Add your name if you agree. |
Soon, that could become a reality. Vera is supporting federal legislation to improve conditions and opportunities for incarcerated firefighters, as well as legislation in California that would increase their pay and allow them to ask a judge to consider resentencing them.
As we celebrate Juneteenth today, we cannot forget that incarcerated people in the United States are still subjected to forced labor. This is because while the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, it made one significant exception: people convicted of crimes could be forced to work, a form of modern-day slavery.
From fighting fires to clearing asbestos, incarcerated people work dangerous jobs for pennies an hour or, in many cases, no pay at all. This exploitation must stop.
Pamela, will you join Vera in calling for an end to forced labor?
Together, we can continue fighting to fulfill Juneteenth's promise of ending slavery for everyone, once and for all. In solidarity,
Andony — |
Andony Corleto
Program Associate, Vera California
Vera Institute of Justice |
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