Buenos Aires, December 4 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Following the presentation of a collective habeas corpus, an Argentinian court ruled Monday that prisoners working in penitentiaries must enjoy the same legal rights provided to other workers.

The judges based their decision on the constitutional principle “same remuneration, same task,” arguing that labor was not a concession but a right inscribed in the National Constitution. The decision also saw decent work in prison was a key instrument for the social reintegration of prisoners, citing this as key in addressing insecurity in the country.

Prisoners will now enjoy paid vacations or an extra month wage, but the ruling also places conditions to prisoners release for work-related issues.

The court ordered the Federal Penitentiary Service to draw up a labor code that would reflect the national and international standard, including foreign prisoners.

According to the judicial report, 59 percent percent of prisoners in the country have no access to remunerated employment in prisons. One work hour in prison is currently remunerated at a rate of 22 pesos ($2,57), while prisoners must work at least 200 monthly hours to reach the minimum wage of 4,400 pesos ($514,98).