Do employers pocket the money earned by prisoners in Luxembourg?

RTL recently received a message alleging that prisoners in Luxembourg are being exploited by their employers, with the situation described as "modern slavery."

The individual claimed that prisoners are paid only €350 per month, while employers retain the remaining €1,700, stating, "So obviously the company is doing well." RTL investigated the allegations and sought clarification from the prison administration.

Work as a legal requirement

Under Article 27 of the Law of 20 July 2018, all prisoners are legally required to work. The law stipulates that the work assigned must consider factors such as age, sex, physical and mental abilities, health, and personality. Refusal to work without justification can result in disciplinary action.

At the Luxembourg Penitentiary Centre (CPL) in Schrassig, prisoners can work in various internal workshops, including the kitchen, garage, women's workshops, multi-purpose workshops, building painting, locksmithing, carpentry, gardening, and hospital laundry. While most of these workshops are operated directly by the prison, the hospital laundry service is outsourced to an external company.

The situation at the Givenich Penitentiary Centre (CPG) differs slightly. In addition to internal workshops for cooking, farming, gardening, building painting, electrical work, locksmithing, heating, and plumbing, prisoners on day release are permitted to work for external companies. In these cases, they earn the legal minimum wage.

What do prisoners earn?

Prisoners' wages are determined by law and range from €2.05 to €4.75 per hour. For comparison, the unskilled minimum wage outside prison is approximately €15.25 per hour, or €2,637.79 per month.

Income for prisoners depends on several factors. In some cases, they are entitled to sick pay. Additionally, nearly all prisoners receive a daily lump sum of €2.50, regardless of whether they work. The exception is inmates at the semi-open facility in Givenich who work for external companies, who do not receive this allowance.

The prison administration emphasises that prisoners retain their full earnings and are not required to surrender any portion to employers or the prison. They have complete discretion over how to use their wages, whether to support their families, compensate victims, pay legal fees, or purchase additional items within the prison. While basic necessities such as hygiene products and three daily meals are provided, prisoners can use their earnings to buy extra food, branded hygiene products, or make telephone calls.

Prison sales prices are set at the same level as the wholesale prices paid by the prison. In some cases, prisoners may even benefit from discounts. Cigarettes are the only exception to this pricing policy. At Schrassig prison, a permanent shop allows inmates to make purchases, while Givenich prison offers a twice-weekly delivery service.

Prison work and social benefits

Work performed by prisoners does not count toward pension contributions. If they lose their job, they are not eligible for unemployment benefits and do not automatically qualify for the Social Inclusion Income (REVIS). However, depending on their administrative situation, they may apply for REVIS by following the necessary procedures, according to the prison administration.

Conclusion: No exploitation by employers or prisons

The claim that prisoners are exploited for the financial benefit of employers or the prison is therefore unfounded. Prisoners receive their full wages as stipulated by law and have complete freedom to use their earnings as they see fit. Of course, at a maximum of €4.75, their hourly wage is significantly lower than the unskilled minimum wage outside prison, which is around €15.25.