Slavery is legal in Minnesota.
Minnesota considers itself a progressive leader, a place where families can thrive. But our constitution still allows slave labor “as punishment for a crime.”
That means that people in prison—our parents, siblings, neighbors and fellow Minnesotans—are not only deprived of their freedom; they are treated as property of the state, forced to work for pennies in dehumanizing conditions.
Slavery in any form is simply wrong. No matter who we are or what’s in our past, we ALL deserve fair wages, respect in our workplaces and the chance to provide for our families.
Together, we can end slave wages for incarcerated workers and build a safe, equitable, and prosperous Minnesota for ALL
Slavery impacts all Minnesotans
Minnesota was the first state to join the fight against slavery during the Civil War — but now we’ve fallen behind Alabama, Tennessee and others in removing slavery from our constitution.
That means that the 8,500 Minnesotans in the state’s 11 prison are classified as slaves. Right now, incarcerated people work meaningless jobs for $0.25 per hour, coming home with no new skills or savings. This leads to cycles of poverty, homelessness and crime, with nearly 80% being arrested within five years of release.
Paying fair wages to incarcerated workers and providing meaningful employment opportunities are proven strategies to reduce recidivism and build safer, more equitable communities.
Instead of perpetuating the cycle of poverty and recidivism, we can invest in rehabilitation that leads to economic development, making it possible for incarcerated people to support their families while they’re on the inside and start their own businesses or continue new careers when they come home.
Ending prison slavery will rebuild families, enhance public safety, and support justice, equity, and opportunity for all.
Take Action!
By passing legislation to reclassify incarcerated people as “workers,” we can begin to transform corrections from a revolving door of control and exploitation to a pathway to prosperity and healing for our communities.
The End Slavery in Minnesota Coalition is advocating for two bills in the state legislature to do just that.
In 2023, Senator Champion and Representative Pinto brought forward a bill that would close the constitutional loophole that allows slavery. In addition, Representative Frazier and Senator Oumou-Verbeten are advancing the Bill to End Slavery, which would ban slavery in practice not just in name.
Join Us!
The End Slavery in Minnesota coalition is a solidarity network of businesses, nonprofits, and organizations throughout the state committed to ending prison slavery in Minnesota.
Our mission is to uplift the voices of current and formerly incarcerated people, educate and involve the public, and pass legislation that removes slavery in law and practice.
It’s time to replace the slavery system that harms us all with a safety system that increases economic prosperity for everyone.