Prisoners speak out about on-going strikes at ADOC facilities
MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) - Two state prisons remained on lock down for a third straight day as inmates at Holman and Elmore correctional facilities refused to report to their regular work assignments.
Correctional officers at these two facilities are now doing some jobs that are normally done by inmates, such as making meals.
We spoke with Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner Jeff Dunn Monday about the work stoppage. According to Dunn, officials are trying to figure out why prisoners are doing this.
"We cannot determine the exact reason for them refusing to go to work," said Dunn.
As soon as our report aired Monday at 10 p.m., prisoners began calling us. They wanted to talk, but would not reveal their names. They say they are on strike because they have not been paid for their labor.
The Department of Corrections says some inmates are paid, but only for jobs that are part of Alabama Corrections Industries; that does not include meal prep, food distribution or laundry. Prison labor pay ranges from $0.25-$0.75 per hour.
"We deserve compensation, but we're not getting compensated. I haven't been paid one bit," says an inmate inside Elmore Correctional Facility.
That inmate said he is in prison for life after being convicted of murder. He says he worked at the Recycling Center for several months. DOC says working at the recycling plant is not a paid job.
Another inmate said prisoners deserve to be paid no matter the job.
"They're making millions and millions of dollars off of our labor and off of our families. Our families are tax paying citizens, and while we are locked in this institution they are making millions of dollars off of this recycling. We don't see a dime off of it. The only money we get is from our family, so it's like our family is getting doubled taxed for money they are already paying for," said the inmate.
Prisoners who contacted us by phone and email say they're also upset about prison conditions, on-site medical care and parole.
Commissioner Dunn says most of those issues would be addressed with a new prison bill being considered in the legislature.
We reached out to the Department of Corrections and have been told Tuesday morning one inmate at Holman and 14 inmates at Elmore Correctional Facility reported for kitchen detail, another 15 reported for other jobs inside the facility.
Officials say although some inmates are returning to work, a majority are still refusing to work.
DOC officials say both facilities are secure and inmates are receiving their daily meals and health care needs.
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