Don’t Exploit Inmates Fighting Deadly Wildfires

Target: Gavin Newsom, Governor of California

Goal: Strengthen pay and benefits for prisoners deployed to fight wildfires.

They have some of the most dangerous and undesirable jobs in battling the wildfires that have consumed tens of thousands of acres in California. They risk their lives during every outing, sometimes working for 24 straight hours. And for their sacrifices, they are compensated between five and 10 dollars a day.

While celebrities like Kim Kardashian may have brought increased attention to the issue, advocacy for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s inmate firefighters has been long-standing. In addition to meeting physical requirements, inmates selected for the program typically are incarcerated for non-violent offenses and have less than eight years to serve in prison. Due to the harsh living conditions they encounter, many inmates readily choose the opportunity to escape that life for a short time and to make a meaningful contribution. But critics fiercely contend that the system utilizing them is exploiting them and taking advantage of their incarcerated status to secure what basically amounts to sweat shop labor.

Nearly 1,000 inmates have put their lives on the line to combat the California wildfires, and they deserve to be treated as human beings when it comes to honoring their important contributions. Sign the petition below to join the calls for better treatment for these unsung heroes.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Governor Newsom,

The Camp Conservation Program has been instrumental in battling California’s recent outbreak of wildfires. These individuals assume their duties even though they have a significantly higher risk of injury and of smoke inhalation. They assume duties that take them into unsafe locations no traditional equipment or personnel can access. And they assume these duties for the equivalent of sweat shop wages.

Worse yet, since they are not officially recognized employees, they receive no benefits and no legal protections typically given to firefighters. As the threat of devastating wildfires increases by the year in California and as funding issues imperil traditional firefighting, the need for these brave individuals will only grow stronger. Do not let it be said that California exploits and demeans human beings working some of the most dangerous jobs in the country.

Advocate for and implement pay equity and enhanced protections that truly support this important work and the people who make it possible.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Agriculture