NCJ Number
16196
Journal
Criminology Volume: 12 Issue: 2 Dated: (AUGUST 1974) Pages: 175-194
Date Published
1974
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A DISCUSSION AND DESCRIPTION OF THE TREND TOWARD UNION ORGANIZATION OF INMATES, DEALING WITH SUCH ISSUES AS THE HISTORY OF THIS MOVEMENT, THE GOALS OF INMATES, LEGAL ISSUES, AND THE REACTIONS OF CORRECTIONAL ADMINISTRATORS.
Abstract
THE NATURE OF COLLECTIVE INMATE ACTION FROM ATTEMPTS AT MASS ESCAPE TO PRISON RIOTS TO CURRENT UNIONIZATION EFFORTS IS OUTLINED. THE HISTORY OF THIS UNIONIZATION MOVE IN OHIO AND IN OTHER STATES IS EXAMINED. A LISTING OF THE GOALS OF THE OHIO PRISONERS' LABOR UNION IS PROVIDED, AND INCLUDES SUCH ASPECTS AS SUPPORT FOR MINIMUM WAGE LAWS, APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS, WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION, AND AFFILIATION WITH OUTSIDE UNIONS. THE AUTHOR STATES THAT PRISONERS' UNIONS HAVE BEEN OPPOSED BY OHIO STATE OFFICIALS, AND THAT A NUMBER OF TACTICS HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED TO WEAKEN THEM. HE ALSO STATES THAT ALTHOUGH NO CONSTITUTIONAL OR STATUTORY PROVISIONS DEAL SPECIFICALLY WITH THE RIGHT OF PRISONERS TO UNIONIZE, THAT RIGHT PROBABLY DEPENDS ON THE UNION'S ABILITY TO DEMONSTRATE THAT IT DOES NOT THREATEN INSTITUTIONAL SECURITY AND WOULD NOT SIGNIFICANTLY ALTER THE EXISTING POWER STRUCTURE. THE AUTHOR ARGUES THAT PRISONERS' UNIONS COULD REPRESENT A MORE PARTICIPATORY AND OPEN FORM OF BARGAINING THAN CURRENTLY EXISTS IN PRISONS. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)