Dell in Prison

[Dewjunkie]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20030109/ap_en_bu/gadget_show_protest_2

Recycling computers is obviously a wise choice, but I am appalled at both Dell and the government for giving jobs to prisoners that could easily and more usefully go to law abiding civilians.  The government is concerned about the current economy, yet devises a program allowing a multi-billion dollar company to save money by taking jobs out of the public sector and giving them to people who will not in any way stimulate the economy.  How many "Computer Tech School" grads are there waiting tables and tending bar that would gladly refurbish computers and in turn spend their income to help fuel the lagging consumer base?  Might there be a reason that Dell hasn't actively advertised the program?     

 

[IslandBreeze]

Just another example of our prison system being totally out of control...

 

[Blindfaith]

Wow Dew!  I didn't catch this one at all.  Thanks for posting it

I gotta say......I'm thinking our next computer will be coming from Micron again

 

[Dewjunkie]

Just another example of our prison system being totally out of control...

Actually, I doubt the "prison system" had much to do in the creation of this program. It benefits from it, but someone in a higher position than Warden came up with this idea, and it would have had to have received committee approval. This is obviously someone scratching Dell's back so they can boost profits.

Please avoid false blanket statements, thank you.

 

[notto]

There are probably hundreds of companies that use this program and programs like it (that use prison labor). It is a government program.

http://www.unicor.gov/index.htm

This is not related to just Dell and other computer manufacturers and companies probably use the same program.

http://www.unicor.gov/recybusgrp/recyelec.htm

Dell does not "sponsor" the program or organize it, they are simply a customer of the company that does this service.

 

[O'Mara]

Then it should not surprise anyone why unemployment is rising. Though I doubt this could be the main reason, it definately doesn't help the US economy to be giving manufacturing jobs to people who offer absolutely nothing to the economy.

 

[Morat]

You mean besides doing lots of work at low pay?

 

[Michael0701]

Can I throw a curve ball here? What if some of those "employed" to assemble or make repairs are working for the first time in their lives. I think it is a nice way to:

1.teach a con that work is not a four letter word (ok, maybe it is)
2.keep a con busy and his mind occupied (less time to plan a shanking)
3.get some cheap labor (keeps cost down to the consumer, ok, maybe in theory)

I don't think it's a bad thing at all, what I have a problem with are using them as telemarketers and order takers. Gives them access to too much personal information. And you never even know it.

 

[IslandBreeze]

Whoa....some VERY good points there, Michael....thanks for bringing those to my attention...