Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Santa Rita Detainees Sue Aramark Over Unpaid Labor

8/7/2025

42 6

Summary

Story summary

Eight pre-trial detainees at Santa Rita Jail work for Aramark without pay, facing threats for noncompliance.
They filed a class action lawsuit for minimum wage and overtime, but the California Supreme Court denied their claim.
The detainees perform food preparation and sanitation tasks, enabling Aramark to profit from their labor.
This case underscores a legal loophole that permits the exploitation of non-convicted individuals in jails.

1 of 1

Story summary

Eight pre-trial detainees at Santa Rita Jail work for Aramark without pay, facing threats for noncompliance.
They filed a class action lawsuit for minimum wage and overtime, but the California Supreme Court denied their claim.
The detainees perform food preparation and sanitation tasks, enabling Aramark to profit from their labor.
This case underscores a legal loophole that permits the exploitation of non-convicted individuals in jails.