Spartanburg Inmates Fight for Fair Pay in Class Action Lawsuit
SPARTANBURG — In a surprising turn of events, four inmates from the Tyger River Correctional Facility have come together to file a lawsuit against the S.C. Department of Corrections, claiming they were unfairly compensated for their labor while incarcerated. The lawsuit, which seeks to be certified as a class action, brings to light some concerning issues regarding wages for inmates working in state-run programs.
According to the complaint filed in September, the inmates—Damon Jones, Jason Turmon, Ronnie McCoy, and Kevin Casey—allege that they were paid just $7.25 an hour, the federal minimum wage, for their work in woodworking jobs at Shaw Industries. They argue that they should have been compensated according to the “prevailing wage,” a higher rate that reflects what someone in a similar position would earn in the free market.
What’s at Stake?
The crux of the issue is rooted in the Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program. This federal program allows state prisons to partner with private companies, enabling inmates to work while earning wages. However, the program clearly states that inmates must be paid the prevailing wage for their type of work. The four inmates argue that the average wage for a woodworker in their area is about $16.36, and for an inspector, it sits at $20.53.
In a twist, SCDC officials have refuted the allegations, stating that state law only mandates payment of federal minimum wage or higher. Spokeswoman Chrysti Shain mentioned that in some cases, inmates actually earn more than the minimum wage. However, the inmates contend that after mandatory deductions for room and board, child support, and Social Security contributions, they only take home a fraction of their wages.
The Hard Truth of Deductions
Tom Winslow, the attorney representing the inmates, expressed his concerns regarding these deductions: “They might end up getting just $1.25 an hour for all the work they’re doing.” He explained that inmates do not have much control over their finances, as a staggering 75 percent of their earnings go toward mandatory obligations.
For instance, the lawsuit indicates that Jones worked nearly 50 hours a week for over two years, only to see his paycheck drastically reduced after deductions. Similarly, Casey, who had been earning money at Shaw for three years, had a significant sum nearly canceled out by the same deductions.
Current Legal Standings
While the inmates seek to turn their complaint into a broader class action suit, the SCDC has already filed a motion to dismiss the case, arguing that most of the allegations are unfounded. The wheels of justice are certainly in motion with motion hearings scheduled for October 18.
This lawsuit not only highlights the grievances of these four individuals but also raises questions about compensations and the treatment of inmates in the corporate work environment within prisons. It will be interesting to see how the case proceeds and whether the inmates will secure the wages they believe they rightfully deserve. As we follow this story, one thing is clear: the fight for fair pay is far from over.
In a community where many are gaining a voice, the impending outcomes may very well redefine the relationship between inmate labor and fair wages in South Carolina.
