A prison staff strike will impact Brussels and Flanders between 5 and 6 December, according to the joint union front on Thursday.
"We are tired of constantly bearing the consequences of decisions that lead to unprecedented levels of overcrowding," stated Robby De Kaey from the Flemish Socialist Union ACOD.
Staff are frustrated with the increase and escalation of inmate assaults, according to reports from various penitentiaries, De Kaey added. He attributed this situation to prison overcrowding.
"Unions have long demanded facilities with multiple cells physically adapted in different locations to safely manage repeat aggressors. Yet, concrete adjustments never materialise, and attackers are given another chance to harm victims within prison walls," De Kaey lamented. "This must stop!"
The joint union front has therefore decided to organise a strike in all Dutch-speaking prisons from 22:00 on 5 December until 6 December. Facilities in Haren and Saint-Gilles in the Brussels region will also participate in this 24-hour action.
