Latest news with #13thAmendment
Time Business News
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Time Business News
ITUC's New Report Spotights Prison Slavery in the United States
In a chilling revelation that has reignited national debate, the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has released a new report exposing the systemic use of prison labor in the United States — a practice the organization likens to modern-day slavery. The report, titled 'Prison Labor in the United States: The Business of Punishment' , details how incarcerated individuals are being exploited under forced labor conditions, often for pennies an hour, with little to no choice in the matter. The United States is home to less than 5% of the world's population — yet it holds nearly 25% of the world's prison population. With over 1.2 million people currently serving time in state and federal prisons, the U.S. correctional system has long been criticized for its mass incarceration rates. But what the ITUC's report brings into sharper focus is how that system is being monetized through what many call 'prison slavery.' The report outlines how incarcerated workers are often compelled to work in unsafe conditions, without proper training or labor rights, for shockingly low wages — sometimes as low as $0.13 an hour. In some states, prisoners aren't paid at all. Refusing to work can result in punishments such as solitary confinement, loss of visitation rights, or denial of parole eligibility. At the center of this issue lies a clause in the 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. While the amendment abolished slavery in 1865, it included a significant exception: slavery and involuntary servitude are still legal as punishment for a crime. 'Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.' This clause has paved the way for what critics describe as a legalized form of slavery inside America's prisons — disproportionately affecting Black and brown communities. According to the Sentencing Project, Black Americans are incarcerated at nearly five times the rate of white Americans. The ITUC's findings suggest a complex web of beneficiaries — including private corporations, state governments, and correctional institutions. Prison labor is often used to manufacture everything from furniture to military equipment, and to provide services such as food preparation, laundry, and even customer service for government agencies. Some of the corporations linked to prison labor — either directly or indirectly — include major household names. While many of these companies have stated that they are unaware of or do not directly manage prison labor programs, the opacity of the supply chain often leaves room for unethical practices to go unchecked. Beyond the economics, the human cost of this system is enormous. Incarcerated individuals working in these conditions often lack basic labor protections: no right to unionize, no worker's compensation if injured, and no pathway to upward mobility. These jobs rarely provide the kind of training or education that would help with rehabilitation or re-entry into society after release. Furthermore, the emotional toll is immense. Many inmates describe their labor as coercive and dehumanizing, where the daily routine mimics slavery more than rehabilitation. Families of prisoners have also spoken out, saying their loved ones are being punished twice — once by incarceration, and again through exploitative work. The ITUC is not alone in sounding the alarm. Human rights organizations, lawmakers, and advocacy groups have been pushing for reform — calling for the removal of the 13th Amendment's exception clause and the implementation of fair labor standards within the prison system. States like California and Colorado have already taken steps to address these issues. In 2020, Colorado voters approved a ballot measure that removed the exception for slavery from the state constitution. In California, a similar measure failed to pass in 2022, but the push continues. Representative Nikema Williams of Georgia and Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon have introduced federal legislation — the Abolition Amendment — which seeks to end the 13th Amendment loophole. While support is growing, the road to constitutional change remains steep and politically charged. The ITUC's report serves as a critical reminder that reforming America's criminal justice system isn't just about reducing prison populations — it's also about protecting human rights within prison walls. Ending exploitative prison labor will require more than just public outcry. It demands legislative action, corporate accountability, and a cultural shift in how we view incarceration. Rehabilitation, not exploitation, must be the cornerstone of any just and humane correctional system. Until then, the voices of those inside — working against their will for next to nothing — will continue to echo the old abolitionist cry: 'Am I not a man and a brother?' TIME BUSINESS NEWS
NDTV
24-07-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Ex-Bangladesh Chief Justice Arrested Amid Crackdown On Hasina-Era Officials
Bangladesh police on Thursday arrested the country's former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque. A team from the Detective Branch (DB) Police picked him up from his Dhanmondi residence around 8:00 am today. DB joint commissioner Nasirul Islam confirmed the arrest of former Chief Justice ABM Khairul Haque. "Yes, we have arrested him," Islam told ANI, over the phone. "There are three cases against him," he added, without elaborating. Khairul Haque served as the 19th Chief Justice of Bangladesh. On August 18, Supreme Court lawyer Mujahidul Islam Shaheen filed a case against Khairul at Shahbagh Police Station, accusing him of corruption and altering judicial verdicts, BDNews24 reported. This followed another case lodged earlier on August 15 at Fatulla Police Station in Narayanganj. The case was filed by Abdul Bari Bhuiyan, the General Secretary of Fatulla Thana BNP and a former president of the Narayanganj District Bar Association, according to BDNews24. Bhuiyan's complaint relates to the landmark ruling that scrapped the caretaker government system 13 years ago. He accused Khairul of changing the original verdict to annul the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and committing forgery in the process. Khairul served as Chief Justice of Bangladesh from October 1, 2010, to May 17, 2011. On May 10, 2011, an appellate bench headed by him delivered the controversial judgment that declared the 13th Amendment unconstitutional, effectively ending the caretaker system used to oversee national elections, according to BDNews24. Bangladesh's interim government has been arresting individuals at various levels, including politicians, economists, top election officials, bureaucrats, and police, who served during ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's regime. Sheikh Hasina was ousted in a student-led uprising in August last year. After her fall, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus, Nobel Laureate.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Yahoo
River parish residents sue Formosa Plastics over burial site for their descendants
RIVER PARISHES, La. (WGNO) — Formosa Plastics is in hot water after Inclusive Louisiana and The Descendants Project filed suit claiming Formosa won't allow descendants access to the burial site on the land. 'Formosa Plastics has met them with threats, threats of law enforcement action, threats of litigation and threats and surveillance from private security contractors. Today, our clients say no more,' said attorney from the Center for Constitutional Rights Kayla Vinson. Three arrested, one sought following Kenner shooting The $9.4 billion planned plastics facility was acquired in 2017 in St. James Parish. In 2024, the remains of five enslaved people were discovered by researcher Lenora Gobert. 'Simon, Betsy, Rachel, Stanley and Harry deserve no less than to have their lives, along with the many others interred in the burial site,' said Gobert. The lawsuit claims that since 2019, the residents' only goal has been to honor and dignify their deaths, something they never received. Filing in federal court, Vinson says Formosa has continuously violated the 13th Amendment. 'We envision a place where all future generations can come to pay their respects, not only to these five souls, but all the souls buried on the Bonavista property,' said Co-Founder of Inclusive Louisiana Gail LeBoeuf. 'Our clients are asking the court to issue an order declaring that Formosa Plastics has violated their rights to access to care and to protect the sacred grounds of the Buena Vista Plantation cemetery,' said Vinson. Tractor trailer hauling scrap overturned in Pearl River area Those like Barbara Washington say this shows the ongoing battle their area known as 'Cancer Alley' is faced with. The groups are requesting a judge to end Formosa's power and protection against interference with any of the remains found on the property. 'They poisoned our community by polluting the air, the land and the water with carcinogens and other toxic pollutants and waste, ' said Washington. With the lawsuit in the early stage, Vinson is unsure of a timeline for it to end. 'It could be a few months before there's sort of a next step in the litigation. And it could be years before the litigation is resolved entirely,' said Vinson. A statement attributable to Janile Parks, Director of Community and Government Relations for FG LA LLC says: 'FG is aware of the lawsuit, although it has not formally been served and reviewed. FG remains committed to the St. James Parish community and to preserving its rich history and cultural resources. FG has been and will always be respectful of the remains and unmarked burial site within property the company owns in St. James Parish. With the oversight of and coordination by the appropriate governmental agencies, FG has followed all procedures in researching and preserving the protected area. FG has been fully transparent and cooperative in giving residents access to the burial and one of the plaintiffs were parties to a previous lawsuit concerning the terms of access to the burial site for an event to be held by the plaintiff and other groups in February 2025. Ultimately, FG provided access and the plaintiff's event went forward without incident. Since the event in question went forward by agreement of the parties, the previous lawsuit was dismissed without will continue to work closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state regulators and local partners to navigate the final steps in bringing this important project to reality. FG is disappointed by the delays the project has faced, but remains confident that all permits were properly issued. We do not intend to give up the fight for this important economic development project that will benefit the people of St. James Parish and assured, we continue to navigate these ongoing challenges to the project.'Stormy by day with Super BUCK Moon by night for Thursday Judge Seeber bridge to fully close for repairs: DOTD Walmart recalls about 850,000 water bottles after 2 people blinded Three fall into water at Glacier National Park while taking photo: rangers Iconic cereal maker WK Kellogg selling to Ferrero for $3B Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Citadel boss Ken Griffin scoops up Abraham Lincoln-signed Emancipation Proclamation, 13th Amendment for $18.1M
Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin added two of the most iconic artifacts in American history to his growing collection of rare documents — spending a combined $18.1 million for items signed by President Abraham Lincoln. The founder and chief executive of Citadel — whose net worth is estimated at $46 billion, according to Forbes — scooped up a rare, handwritten copy of the 13th Amendment for $13.7 million to break Sotheby's auction record for a Lincoln-signed document, the Wall Street Journal reported on Monday. Signed by Lincoln in 1865, the single sheet of vellum marked the formal abolition of slavery in the United States and is one of only four copies known to remain in private hands. 4 Billionaire hedge fund manager Ken Griffin has added two of the most iconic artifacts in American history to his growing collection of rare documents. Getty Images The auction house had estimated the document would sell for up to $12 million. Griffin's winning bid not only shattered expectations but also eclipsed the previous $2.4 million record set by another copy of the 13th Amendment in 2016. Griffin also purchased a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation for $4.4 million at the same Sotheby's auction on Thursday. 'Since our founding, America has been on a journey to form a more perfect union. The Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment marked a profound step forward, abolishing the scourge of slavery and advancing the ideal that all people are created equal,' Griffin said in a statement to The Post. 'As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we all have a part to play to strengthen and renew the promise of our nation. Each generation must experience the sacred documents of our democracy — to learn from them and be inspired to carry our country forward.' 4 Griffin purchased one of four surviving copies of the Emancipation Proclamation. AFP via Getty Images Originally issued by Lincoln during the Civil War in 1863, the proclamation declared enslaved people in the Confederate states to be free. This version, signed in 1864, had been expected to sell for between $3 million and $5 million. The previous high for a signed copy was $3.8 million, set in 2010. The documents 'marked a profound step forward, abolishing the scourge of slavery and advancing the ideal that all people are created equal,' Griffin said in a statement to the Journal following the sale. Griffin — who last year purchased the largest ever dinosaur skeleton for a record 44.6 million — has become one of the most prominent and aggressive collectors of pivotal pieces of American political history in recent years. 4 A Sotheby's employee adjusts a display of the Emancipation Proclamation and the 13th Amendment in May 2016. AFP via Getty Images 4 The illustration depicts Lincoln at the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, which gave enslaved people their freedom. Getty Images In 2021, he outbid a decentralized group of cryptocurrency investors — known as ConstitutionDAO — to win a first-edition copy of the US Constitution for $43.2 million, the highest price ever paid at auction for a historical document. Last month, Griffin announced he would lend that copy, along with a rare 1789 printing of the Bill of Rights, to the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for a special exhibition timed to the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026. The loans will coincide with a new gallery celebrating America's founding documents and ideals. Griffin, based in Florida, said he intends to make the newly acquired Lincoln documents available for public exhibition as well.
Bloomberg
30-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Ken Griffin Spends $18 Million on Lincoln-Signed Civil War Documents
Citadel founder Ken Griffin paid $18.1 million for copies of the 13th Amendment and the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln. Griffin intends to loan the documents, which were offered at a Sotheby's fine books and manuscripts auction in New York, to an unspecified US institution, according to a Citadel spokesperson.
