Incarcerated Workers Challenge Heat Conditions in Louisiana Prisons

In Louisiana, incarcerated workers are raising serious concerns about the harsh conditions they face while working on the state penitentiary's farm line. According to former inmate Gross, breaks are infrequent and inadequate, leaving workers vulnerable to extreme heat. He recounted witnessing fellow inmates collapse due to the oppressive conditions, particularly those with pre-existing health issues or disabilities. In September, a class-action lawsuit was filed by several incarcerated workers and the advocacy group Voice of the Experienced, seeking an end to the farm line and alleging cruel and unusual punishment. As temperatures soared in May, the plaintiffs filed an emergency request to halt work during extreme heat, prompting a legal battle with Louisiana's corrections department. The state argued that complying with the request would set a precedent for halting work across southern institutions. However, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the plaintiffs, emphasizing the need for protection against heat-related illnesses. The issue has drawn attention from major companies linked to prison farms, such as Cargill and Archer Daniels Midland, which are reportedly investigating the allegations. A U.N. investigator is also expected to report on the situation, labeling it a form of modern-day slavery. Inmates have described the heat as a punitive measure, with some experiencing severe health crises while working in extreme conditions. Despite the claims, Louisiana's corrections department maintains that it adheres to constitutional standards for worker safety, asserting that it monitors temperatures and provides necessary breaks during heat alerts. However, the court acknowledged the extraordinary challenges faced by inmates on the farm line.