California regulators levied $104,510 in fines against the private prison operator GEO Group last month after detained immigrant workers at the Golden State Annex in Central California complained about unsafe conditions, including a lack of protective equipment and proper training, while cleaning the facility for $1 per day.
The investigation by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, known as CAL/OSHA, found six violations of state code by the company, which has appealed. The agency’s recognition of the detainees as workers could pave the way for future labor rights fights at other detention centers in the state.
GEO Group spokesman Christopher Ferreira declined to comment on the allegations, citing the pending appeal.
