The American Party of Labor supports the rights of the workers in Missouri state prisons to utilize the strike as a weapon against both the boss and the state. Workers at all times must be treated properly and have full access to all of their rights. The state crackdown on prisoners will not and can not go unanswered. This is the latest in a string of attacks against organizing by the state, and when the working class is under attack we must strike back.

We support the comrades in both the New Afrikan Black Panther Party-Prison Chapter, and the Industrial Workers of the World- Incarcerated Worker’s Organizing Committee in their efforts to struggle to organize the workers currently inside of the prison system. As long as there is an attack on the working class it is our obligation to oppose it.

The American Party of Labor resolutely condemns the limiting of recreation time for prisoners in the Missouri Crossroads Correctional Center.

The American Party of Labor resolutely condemns the limiting of hot meals for prisoners in the same facility.

The American Party of Labor resolutely condemns the removal of rehabilitation programs in the same facility.

The American Party of Labor resolutely condemns the limiting of access to the legal library prior to court dates in the same facility.

The American Party of Labor resolutely condemns a prison system which is not built on rehabilitation but is instead build on punitive measures nationally.

The American Party of Labor resolutely condemns the crackdown which will undoubtedly, and has in the past, occurred when workers in prison strike and organize.

The American Party of Labor echos the IWW-IWOC’s call for action in calling the prison and making your knowledge of the situation known. We can not sit idly by while workers organizing are under attack.

You will find the statement from inside as well as contact information for the prison from the IWW-IWOC here.

Categories: Statements, U.S. News