Officers from the Federal Police’s Security Directorate (DAB) are preparing to protest against the federal government’s proposal to transfer the security of Belgium’s nuclear infrastructure to the Defence Ministry.
Police unions SLFP Police and SNPS announced on Wednesday that they have activated a strike notice submitted some two weeks ago.
The proposal by Federal Interior Minister Bernard Quintin involves handing over the static security of nuclear power plants from police forces to the military. It has sparked deep dissatisfaction among the DAB officers.
The unions' decision to protest was made to oppose the lack of prior consultation and the exclusion of union representation in such a significant measure. A communication sent to union members stressed the importance of sending a strong message: “We will not abandon our own.”
The unions warn that the move could result in the loss of years of accumulated expertise, and highlight potentially “disastrous” social consequences.
Employees deliberately chose these positions and now face sudden reassignment to entirely different duties, such as prisoner transport or port patrols, union representatives said.
Some employees had even switched from Defence to police for this role. For them, this decision threatens their social and career balance, disregarding their career choices and work-life balance, the unions added.
They urged the minister to halt his decision and called for thorough consultations with the unions as a priority.
