Strike actions took place in several prisons on Thursday morning while the unions met with Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD), said Alain Blancke of the Christian union ACV/CSC.
Prison staff went on strike at the prisons in Leuven Central, Ghent, Antwerp, Hasselt, Haren, Sint-Gillis, Merksplas, Wortel, Mechelen, Turnhout and Bruges. These actions took place while unions were meeting with Van Tigchelt about prison overcrowding, which representatives argued led to the recent 72-hour torture of an inmate in Antwerp.
"Prison officers were given an explanation about the meeting", explained Alain Blancke. "The minister is now proposing an assessment of the minimum service, but we want to focus on overcrowding, staff shortages and the problem of assaults."
The staff want to continue their action during the meeting, for example by staying in the refectory or a multi-purpose room. According to Alain Blancke, work will resume afterwards.
Last week, the Christian Trade Union (CSC), the Socialist trade union (CGSP) and the Free Civil Service Union (SLFP) each introduced a new strike notice to denounce the crisis situation in Belgian prisons. Their demands included a meeting with the Minister of Justice.
