Archive image. — © Joris Herregods
The joint trade union front of ACOD, ACV and VSOA is again organizing actions in Belgian prisons this week. This has been confirmed by trade unionist Eddy De Smedt (VSOA). A new series of actions starts in Antwerp on Monday.
Source: BELGA
Yesterday at 6:22 am
The strike post will be in Hasselt on Tuesday and in Ypres a day later. On Wednesday, the Minister of Justice Paul Van Tigchelt (Open VLD) will also play a football match against inmates from the Hoogstraten prison. Local branches of the union will hold a protest against the minister’s “ridiculous decisions”. There is another action in Dendermonde on Thursday, and in Leuven on Friday.
Since Monday, April 1, an indefinite wardens’ strike has been going on in Belgian prisons, in protest against overcrowding and staff shortages. The recent announcement of the closure of the open facility in Hoogstraten has also led to dissatisfaction among the staff. “The question remains what will happen to the detainees,” says De Smedt. “The training courses in the institution help prisoners progress and prevent recidivism.”
A Higher Consultation Committee is also scheduled for Wednesday, on the same day as the football match. The closure of Hoogstraten and the evaluation of minimum services are on the agenda, among other things.