Thousands of prisoners in Alabama began a labor strike this week to protest overcrowded, understaffed and dangerous prison conditions. The strikers warn that despite a 2020 intervention by the U.S. Justice Department, conditions within Alabama prisons remain “incredibly unsafe, inhumane, and exploitative.” The work stoppage, which also calls for sentencing and parole reforms, began on Monday after three months of planning by prisoners and with help from groups including Alabama Prison Advocacy and Incarcerated Families United.