No punishment for sick-leave in Texas prisons

Numerous prisoners in Texas have reported that 
prison administrators force them to do work that 
aggravates existing medical conditions; that 
administrators deny them access to medical 
personnel, often as a form of punishment; and that 
administrators discipline them for refusing to 
work while ill. Federal and state courts have 
previously ruled that these practices violate the 
Eighth Amendment protections against cruel and 
unusual punishment.(John Boston and Daniel E. 
Manville, Prisoners' Self Help Litigation Manual, 
New York: Oceana Publications, 1996, p. 133)

We the undersigned demand:

* That prisoners citing concerns about medically 
inappropriate work assignments or work-related 
injury receive time off from work without penalty 
until medical personnel can evaluate them;

* That prisoners diagnosed with work-limiting 
medical conditions receive appropriate medical 
treatment;

* That such prisoners be excused from work without 
penalty until satisfactory medical exam;

* And that prisoners with existing medical 
conditions be permanently excused from any work 
that aggravates their medical condition, or is 
dangerous to a person with their medical history.

Preventive medical care is a cornerstone of any 
civilized society. It lengthens the working lives 
of all people and makes them better equipped to 
contribute to society.