That is largely a myth, it makes for good television but it is not how the system works. Certainly, prison labor seems tantamount to slavery as there is very little pay but inmates that get to work outside the institution in farm duty is a pretty decent detail for the inmates. They are outside, they are working at something somewhat rewarding and it gives them something to look forward to and a job is better than sitting around being unproductive. They give bathroom breaks and water without issue.
https://www.inmateaid.com/ask-the-inmate/are-the-prison-guards-using-the-incarcerated-ladies-as-slaves-on-the-farm-duty-are-they-neglecting-the-prisoners-needs-for-bathroom-breaks-and-water-and-are-they-treating-them-more-like-animals-than-humans#answer
Accepted Answer Date Created: July 23,2015