GA may use prisoners to bust unions

(image by ilyse kazar, CC NonCommercial)

Camden County, Georgia is considering replacing union firefighters with unpaid convicts. That's right, this brilliant plan contemplates placing two loosely monitored prisoners in each firehouse, who will respond to all emergencies including residential fires. And it seems that this would be forced, not optional, labor.

Let's say that nonviolent, nonlarcenous prisoners are selected. Let's say that even though the prisoners did not _choose_ to fight fires, they nonetheless put their all into protecting life and property, rather than doing the bare minimum. What do they get in exchange for running into burning buildings? _Maybe_ some time off. And the right to work as a firefighter 5 years after release, instead of the usual 10.

Oh, yes, and let's say the unionized firefighters are down with this. AS IF.

This is the worst. Cost-saving idea. Ever.