Prison workers in Brussels and Leuven went on strike on Monday as part of an indefinite action across the country.
Belgian prisons are each striking in turn to extend the action for as long as possible while minimising the financial impact on trade union members. Flemish Brabant and Brussels prison workers mobilised on Monday, while staff in Ghent, Hasselt and Mechelen will follow suit on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, respectively.
The prolonged action began at 22:00 last Monday in protest of chronic overcrowding and staff shortages in Belgian facilities.
Trade union ACOD notes that at least five employees were requisitioned over the weekend to reach minimum requirements. 19 wardens were requisitioned on Saturday, followed by nine more on Sunday and ten more on Monday. This is the first time requisition has occurred since it was introduced in a 2019 statute.
Walloon prisons are not participating in the strike. "There is no action plan for the moment," CSC Public Services told Belga News Agency. CSC explained that unions in the region are struggling to establish a common position regarding the strike.
An action scheduled for Thursday in West Flanders has been disbanded following consultations with ACOD.
