Additional Coverage:
- Hundreds of California prisoners are fighting the LA fires, with some earning little more than $1 an hour (newsbreak.com)
Hundreds of California inmates are fighting wildfires across Los Angeles, working 24-hour shifts for as little as $26.90, well below the state’s $16.50 minimum wage.
The inmates are part of California’s fire camp program, where they assist firefighters with hand tools. They earn between $5.80 and $10.24 per day, with an additional $1 per hour for emergencies.
Despite the low pay, inmates receive time credits towards their sentences and the opportunity to earn certifications in emergency response.
California has relied on inmates for wildfire response, with inmates accounting for up to 30% of the state’s firefighting force during previous seasons.
Inmates are not guaranteed the state’s minimum wage, with some earning as little as 16 cents per hour.