Inmates across the US began a planned 19-day strike on Aug. 21 in protest of [8] poor conditions, no-to-low pay for work, and racist prison administration practices. The strike, set to take place in 17 states, was organized by many groups, including the Incarcerated Workers Organizing Committee [9] and Jailhouse Lawyers Speak [10]. Those participating in the strike will not show up to their assigned jobs and will engage in sit-ins; some prisoners may elect to go on hunger strike. The strike is set to last until Sept. 9, coinciding with the start of the Attica Prison Uprising [11] in 1971. Organizers planned the strike for August after seven inmates were killed [12] during a riot at a South Carolina prison in April.
From Jurist [13], Aug. 22. Used with permission.
Note: This most recent strike follows a previous prison strike in September 2016, when inmates across 24 states [14] participated.
