Unicor and the Theft of American Jobs

This outline contains a summary of information collected from various sources. We have made available the complete text for in depth research. We welcome comments, suggestions, and of course "horror stories" on the Unicor experience.

Federal Prison Industries was created in 1934 under the U.S. Department of Justice and Bureau of Prisons (BOP). In 1977 the acronym trade name UNICOR was created. We have never found the meaning of this word, but it seems none of the meanings or practices of this multi million dollar federal corporation (500 million) makes sense either.

Imagine a corporation that operated under the following outline:

1. Rent, food expense, health care, education, utilities, and security all paid for by the taxpayer.

2. Profits of over 13 million dollars, that don't go to pay their own expenses.

3. Employees of this organization do not have to be American citizens. Non-Americans are rounded up in sweeps by the INS, sent to jail for violating laws of this country, then put to work for Unicor.

4. You have your own special rules; Unicor does not claim to be a Government Contractor, although they sell exclusively to the government. They say that they only make "Interdepartmental Transfers". This "loop hole" eliminates any penalties that would be applied under the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), that other contractors must adhere to.

5. The Department of Defense and other agencies are not allowed to consider other suppliers under FAR regulations, unless UNICOR agrees to it.

6. 89% of its customers not satisfied with its products or services? FAR regulations and contract rules and specifications were put in place to make a level playing field, and to assure consistent supply. They are also in place to allow for the highest quality of parts and equipment for the men and women of our Armed Forces. But not if you are UNICOR

7. Your shipments can be over two years late, and it does not matter.

8. You can expand your corporation with tax dollars, keep the profits in the name of keeping prisoners busy.

As you look back through American history you are reminded of events. Slavery was legal, early Presidents of this country had them. Immigrants had their names shortened for the convenience of immigration officials. Woman could not vote. It was illegal to drink alcohol. Americans of Japanese and German descent were rounded up and sent to "camps" during the war, for security reasons. People were put on trial because they were un-american in the 50's. Segregation was legal, and Blacks were prevented from voting. Most people would say "that would never happen at this point in time". Those issues were corrected. Now we are faced with a situation where our Government runs a 500 million dollar cooperation. A corporation that only answers to itself and no one else. A corporation that skirts regulations and accountability that any corporation or contractor must accept. A corporation that can steam roll over law abiding citizen employees and their companies is criminal. Of course with an organization staffed with millions of criminals, maybe some of it is starting to rub off. There is an old saying...You become who you associate with.

One of the best and well written reports on this plight was written by Dr. David Martin. He has conducted an in depth comprehensive study. It is titled " Federal Prison Industries, A National Plight?" It can be viewed at http://www.zolatimes.com/v2,13/FPI.html. We are asking that persons and organizations that are outraged by this type of behavior on the part of our government please get involved. This criminal machine should be on the FBI most want list!

We have available on our web site form letters and points of contact for you to forward your comments. If possible please send us a copy, so we can be sure your comments are not "lost in the maze".

Tom Tyson, President
Southern Automotive Wholesalers

People to Contact

Manager, Planning, Research and Activation Attn: Robert C. Geiser
Federal Prison Industries Inc.
320 First Street N.W.
Washington D.C.

Mr. Geiser, appreciates your input and opinions on our fight to save jobs.

Honorable Peter Hoekstra
1124 Longsworth Bldg
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington DC 20515-2202
Tel 202-225-4401 Fax 202-226-0779

Rep. Hoekstra will be sponsoring a bill formerly known as HR2758 to allow competition and change how FPI is organized.

Honorable Sen Carl Levin
477 Michigan Ave Rm 1860
Detroit MI 48226
Tel 313-226-6020 Fax 6948

Sponsor of a bill to reform FPI. Tell him you support reform of the FPI like his bill S-339.

Honorable Sen Spencer Abraham
26222 Telegraph Road Ste 200
Southfield MI 48034
Tel 248-350-0510

Co-sponsor of Senator Levin's Bill.

Any input to your local media or elected officials will help.