Forced labor in Florida’s prison system has been a longstanding issue, with numerous cases of prisoners being required to work for little or no pay. These prisoners may be forced to work in a variety of settings, including prisons, hospitals, and nursing homes.
One well-known example of forced labor in Florida’s prison system is the case of Lakesha Cole. In 2014, Cole, who was serving a sentence for a nonviolent drug offense, was forced to work at a nursing home for just $2.15 per month. Despite working full-time hours, Cole was not provided with any benefits, such as health insurance or time off. When Cole complained about the conditions, she was placed in solitary confinement.
Another example of forced labor in Florida’s prison system is the case of Gregorio Santa Maria. Santa Maria, who was serving a sentence for a nonviolent drug offense, was forced to work at a hospital for just $1.50 per day. Despite working long hours, Santa Maria was not provided with any benefits, such as health insurance or time off.
There have also been numerous reports of prisoners being forced to work in Florida’s prison industries, where they manufacture a variety of products, including clothing, furniture, and agricultural goods.
These prisoners are often paid extremely low wages and are not provided with benefits, such as overtime pay or workers’ compensation.
The use of forced labor in Florida’s prison system is a clear violation of human rights. It is important that these practices be brought to an end and that prisoners are treated with dignity and respect.
One example is the case of Amit Bharvad, a native of India who was arrested in Florida on a minor drug charge. While serving his sentence, Bharvad was forced to work at a hospital for just $1.50 per day. Despite working long hours, Bharvad was not provided with any benefits, such as health insurance or time off. Bharvad’s case was brought to the attention of the Indian government, which intervened on his behalf and helped secure his release.
Another example is the case of Roberto Martínez-Espinoza, a native of Mexico who was arrested in Florida on a drug charge. While serving his sentence, Martínez-Espinoza was forced to work at a hospital for just $1.50 per day. Despite working long hours, Martínez-Espinoza was not provided with any benefits, such as health insurance or time off. Martínez-Espinoza’s case was brought to the attention of the Mexican government, which intervened on his behalf and helped secure his release.
It is important to note that these cases are not isolated incidents, but rather part of a larger problem of forced labor in Florida’s prison system. The use of forced labor is a clear violation of human rights and must be brought to an end.
Sources:
“Prisoners in Florida Forced to Work for $1.50 a Day at Hospitals,” by Aviva Stahl, Vice News, January 31, 2017
“Florida Woman Forced to Work at Nursing Home for $2.15 a Month,” by Aviva Stahl, Vice News, January 30, 2017
“Forced Labor in Florida’s Prison Industries,” by Human Rights Defense Center, Prison Legal News, August 22, 2016

“Prisoners in Florida Forced to Work for $1.50 a Day at Hospitals,” by Aviva Stahl, Vice News, January 31, 2017
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