• Placebonickname@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      Nvrmnd. I just looked this up, this is about using slave labor to fight wild fires and I don’t care for the idea whatsoever.

      • supernight52@lemmy.world
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        3 days ago

        I have read the entire House Report- where are you seeing that this bill creates the ability to use slave labor on fires?

        • voracitude@lemmy.world
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          3 days ago

          I believe they’re referring to the fact that prisoners have been used in firefighting efforts, but they’re still subject to minimum wage and maximum hours laws when they do that work. With this amendment they could be paid nothing and thrown at fires with no rest until their bodies give out.

          • supernight52@lemmy.world
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            3 days ago

            That would make sense. I was looking for any mention of Penal employees or prison labor of some kind, but was unable to find it. I guess I was naive for thinking they just meant free employees.

            • voracitude@lemmy.world
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              3 days ago

              Well, the original bill itself wouldn’t have been written with this in mind, but the update was definitely written in such a way that it applies to everyone but can be used against prisoners as well.

              These are the kind of activities typically covered under “outfitting” in U.S. law:

              • Guided hiking/backpacking tours
              • Guided fishing trips
              • Guided hunting trips
              • Guided horseback riding tours
              • Guided kayaking/canoeing/rafting trips
              • Guided wildlife viewing tours
              • Guided photography/sightseeing tours
              • Renting camping/backpacking gear
              • Renting fishing equipment
              • Renting hunting gear (e.g. blinds, tree stands)
              • Renting water sports equipment (kayaks, canoes, rafts)
              • Renting horses and related tack/equipment
              • Renting photography/optics equipment
              • Providing shuttle services for outdoor activities
              • Catering and food services for guided outdoor trips
              • Providing lodging and accommodation services for outdoor activities
              • Operating ski/snowboard equipment rental shops
              • Offering guided winter sports activities (skiing, snowshoeing, etc.)
              • Providing guide services for off-road vehicle tours
              • Operating retail stores selling outdoor gear and equipment

              So I think in addition to fighting fires, they basically want to replace the park rangers they fired with prisoners.

              • supernight52@lemmy.world
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                3 days ago

                Yeah, that all tracks with our current admin. Mildly surprised that I couldn’t catch that from reading the House Report. Damn villainous method to make slave labor legal again. Especially for a job where you risk your life consistently, like wildfire fighters.

        • LeninOnAPrayer@lemm.ee
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          3 days ago

          Nowhere. Because it’s already allowed. Don’t need to make something legal that’s already legal. 14th amendment literally allows for slave labor in the case of “criminals”. Why do you think they keep trying to label everyone a criminal or terrorist? We’ve been using slaves to fight fires for a long time.

    • supernight52@lemmy.world
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      3 days ago

      I have read the bill from beginning to end- it’s literally just a bill to increase employment of the US Forest Service fire fighting team. It has a section that also makes it so the Secretary of Ag has the power to expedite the hiring process. The part that is concerning adds a stipulation about how they are able to exercise that power.

      E.g.: “DHA expedites hiring by removing competitive rating and ranking, preferences for certain candidates, and requirements to consider the top three candidates.”

      I am not saying this is good legislation, I am just confused by the language, and have no idea what all this will impact.

      ETA: Nvm, this legislation is fucked. It allows hiring prisoners for no pay.