Spartanburg Inmates Challenge Pay Practices in Lawsuit
SPARTANBURG — In a bold move, four individuals incarcerated at Tyger River Correctional Facility have decided to take legal action against the South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC), alleging that they were unfairly compensated for their labor. With a growing focus on workers’ rights, these men are bringing attention to issues that could affect many others in similar situations.
In their lawsuit, filed in September, Damon Jones, Jason Turmon, Ronnie McCoy, and Kevin Casey claim they were unlawfully paid $7.25 an hour—the federal minimum wage—for their jobs at Shaw Industries, when they believe they should have been compensated at the prevailing wage for their positions. These inmates worked primarily in woodworking roles, and according to them, the average wage for such jobs should be significantly higher, around $16.36 for woodworkers and $20.53 for inspectors.
A Battle for Fair Compensation
The heart of the issue lies in the federal Prison Industry Enhancement Certification Program. This program allows state prisons to contract with private businesses to employ inmates, but it also mandates that these inmates receive the prevailing wage, which should align more closely with what workers in similar roles earn in the marketplace.
Despite the inmates’ claims, the SCDC has denied any wrongdoing. According to spokesperson Chrysti Shain, state law dictates that inmates receive at least the minimum wage, and in some cases, they can earn even more. However, the inmates’ complaint raises a significant concern: after mandatory deductions, including for room and board, what they actually take home is a fraction of their earnings.
The Cost of Incarceration
To illustrate this point, attorney Tom Winslow, who represents the plaintiffs, pointed out that due to various deductions—such as contributions to Social Security and fees for room and board—many inmates effectively end up making only about $1.25 an hour for their labor. Specifically, if an inmate does not have child support obligations, around 25 percent of their earnings goes directly to SCDC to help cover the costs of housing and food while incarcerated. For those who do have obligations, the deductions can be even steeper.
The lawsuit shares that Jones, for instance, worked five days a week for about two years and saw his minimum wage earnings sliced down through these deductions, while Casey, who was paid $15,500 in August for back pay, returned to work only to find himself back at minimum compensation once again.
Pushing for Change
As the legal battle unfolds, both sides are making their case clear. The inmates have aimed to turn their individual lawsuit into a class action, potentially encompassing others who may have experienced similar pay discrepancies. Meanwhile, SCDC has filed a motion to dismiss the case entirely, and motions hearings were scheduled for mid-October.
The conversation surrounding fair pay for inmates is becoming increasingly relevant, as these cases shed light on a system that makes it difficult for those behind bars to earn a living wage while also paying for their basic needs. It sparks a larger discussion around prison labor practices and the rights of incarcerated individuals.
The outcome of this lawsuit could set a precedent not only for the Tyger River venue but for correctional facilities statewide, changing the landscape of prison labor and compensation standards. As these men continue to highlight issues of fairness, it will be vital to see how the courts navigate the complexities that come with prison work programs.
