Prison staff began a 24-hour strike on Tuesday at 22:00, as this week's public services strike action is also affecting the operation of Belgian prisons.
Late on Wednesday morning, the prison administration said the strike affected prisons in all three regions of the country and was having “a real impact on the regime of inmates, such as the cancellation of visits by families and relatives.”
The prisons most affected were Antwerp, Beveren, Ghent, Central Leuven, Mechelen, Merksplas, Saint-Gilles, Tongeren and Turnhout.
In Jamioulx, the courtyards could be organised in the morning, but the visits could not. It was not possible to organise the courtyards in the Lantin prison, and police officers were called in as reinforcements during the night break. In Mons, it was not possible to organise visits and there was no work for the inmates either.
Related News
- Most of Belgium's prison staff on 24-hour strike
- Prison staff to go on 24-hour strike all over Belgium on 10 January
In addition, police reinforcements had to be called in for the prisons of Saint-Gilles and Haren.
Striking staff are denouncing budget cuts that undermine the service provided to the public, staff shortages and an excessive workload.
The government has decided to take action against the strike.
