Federal Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order
Amid scorching summer temperatures, U.S. District Judge Brian Jackson has mandated Louisiana to take immediate steps to protect the health and safety of incarcerated workers laboring in the fields of Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola. The ruling came in response to allegations of cruel and unusual punishment faced by prisoners working in extreme heat.
State Ordered to Provide Protection Plan
Judge Jackson’s temporary restraining order, issued Tuesday, compels the Louisiana Department of Corrections to submit a plan within seven days to improve conditions for field workers. The order highlights the urgent need for measures such as adequate shade, regular work breaks, sunscreen, and medical checks for those vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Growing Concerns Over Prison Labor Practices
This ruling draws national attention to the ongoing issue of prison labor, a practice historically rooted in slavery and now a multibillion-dollar industry. An Associated Press investigation revealed links between prison farms like Angola and major companies, leading some, including Cargill, to sever ties with such labor sources.
Class-Action Lawsuit Highlights Dire Conditions
The lawsuit, filed last year by incarcerated men at Angola and the New Orleans-based advocacy group Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), describes harsh working conditions. Prisoners, predominantly Black, labor with rudimentary tools under the supervision of armed guards. Failure to comply or meet work quotas often results in solitary confinement or other severe punishments.
Judicial Concerns Over Heat Risks
Judge Jackson’s 78-page ruling underscores the life-threatening risks posed by extreme heat, stating that farm line conditions “create a substantial risk of injury or death.” The judge emphasized that managing the heat has become critical, as temperatures continue to climb across Louisiana.
