Belgian prison workers are collectively on strike today, in protest at overcrowding and prisoner aggression. Even guards in Ypres, where there are only three detainees, are on strike.
Belgian prisons have joined together for a collective 24-hour strike, due to end this evening. Workers are complaining about prison overcrowding, which leads to more aggressive behaviour among prisoners. “We are on strike today because over the last 30 years, minister after minister, this problem is not dealt with,” said prison director Hans Claus.
Today marks the 12,000 prisoner mark in Belgium, which is 1,300 more than the prison complex can support. There is also a lack of qualified staff. “The overcrowding is breaking prisons apart at the seams, which means poor conditions for the prisoners,” said Eddy De Smedt of the VSOA union.
In Ypres’ prison there are only three prisoners, but still staff are on strike. The prison has just recently reopened following a complete renovation and expansion. “I expect the first section to be full by the end of the month, and then we will open the second section,” said director Bea Schmits.
While the prison is meant to house 170 detainees, they only have enough personnel to take in 70, she said. “There are a few new staff beginning soon, but we certainly don’t have enough candidates to reach full capacity.”
Prison jobs are advertised at www.werkenbijjustitie.be.