Mechelen (Brussels Morning Newspaper): Prison staff in Belgium went on strike starting December 6, 2024, because of overcrowding and poor working conditions. Mechelen prison joined the strike on December 9. It has 160 inmates but only space for 89, causing serious problems. More protests could happen if things don’t get better.
Prison staff in Belgium Belgiumare on strike, causing big problems in many prisons. The strikes started last Friday, December 6, and workers at Mechelen prison joined in on Monday, December 9. Because of the strike, no prisoners were taken to court that morning, which delayed many legal cases. Some lawyers went to court for their clients, but the lack of prisoner transfers made things difficult.
What are the causes and consequences of the ongoing prison strike in Belgium?
Despite the strikes, lawyers were still allowed to visit their clients in prison on Monday, ensuring that communication continued and basic legal rights were maintained. According to lawyers, the delays from postponed cases could create bigger issues in the legal system, leading to backlogs and slower resolutions. The specific reasons for the prison staff’s strike related to working conditions or staffing shortages that need attention.
On Monday, 9 December, the unions ACOD, ACV Openbare Diesten, and VSOA protested at Mechelen prison, where there are 160 prisoners but only space for 89. It has been said that this overcrowding has forced some inmates to sleep on the floor, and staff have faced threats and violence, which is not okay. The unions are calling for quick action to solve these problems and reduce the number of prisoners. While guards are expected to return to work on Tuesday 10 December, more protests could happen if the situation doesn’t get better.
