Most of the prisoner work programs are optional. Same with foreign labor, yes working conditions are not optimal and there are improvements that could be made.

Most of the prisoner work programs are optional. Same with foreign labor, yes working conditions are not optimal and there are improvements that could be made. However having an an alternative option is almost always better than not having that option. This problem may be best solved by actually making it easier for companies to participate in prisoner work-release programs, thereby increasing competition and driving up prisoner wages.