1960: City Detainees Receive Wages For the First Time

New York City saves millions of dollars from the free labor of incarcerated workers. For decades they have been employed as launderers, farmers, cooks, tailors and seamstresses, auto mechanics, and numerous other occupations that benefit the city’s operations. For the first time, starting in July, those detained by the city will receive 5 to 10 cents a day for their service. In spite of the millions saved by the city, the budget allocated to compensate these previously unpaid laborers is a mere $30,000.