Issued December 12, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Leaders representing the country’s largest labor unions are urging President Biden to continue grant clemency to people in the federal prison system, many who have received a positive recommendation from the Office of Pardon Attorney. The clemency urged by these leaders builds on the White House announcement today that President Biden commuted the sentences of more than 1,500 individuals on home confinement, in the federal prison system. In a joint letter, union presidents In a letter to President Biden, union leaders from AFL-CIO, AFSCME, AFT, APWU, UMWA, NEA, CWA and SEIU emphasized the importance of commuting sentences for people currently in prison whose sentences would be much shorter under today’s law and policies, similar to those granted clemency today as a way to reunite more families, promote racial justice, and provide second chances for individuals to re-enter the workforce.
The letter underscores the urgent need for clemency to address the injustices faced by individuals serving disproportionately long sentences. These include those who did not receive retroactive relief under the First Step Act, individuals punished under the racially discriminatory crack vs. powder cocaine sentencing disparity, and those sentenced under “old law” policies with no option for early release.
Commuting sentences for people in prison supports the American workforce, bringing individuals back into the economy where they can contribute their skills and talents to industries in need of revitalization. By strengthening families and creating pathways for people to rejoin the workforce, robust clemency action will help boost local economies and support the nation’s long-term economic prosperity without compromising public safety.
“America’s justice system has always been skewed towards the white, the wealthy, and the politically connected,” said April Verrett, President of the Service Employees International Union. “Before he leaves office, President Biden has the opportunity to use the power of clemency to free individuals currently serving outdated sentences in federal prisons, laying the groundwork for a more just society. This bold step would further his economic legacy as a champion of working families who have been left behind by our nation’s racist laws and counter extremist efforts to erase our history and silence our voices.”