Brussels, Belgium – Prison staff across Belgium will stage a 24-hour strike starting at 22:00 on Sunday night in response to recent violent attacks against their colleagues, the Belga News Agency reported.
The nationwide protest follows multiple incidents of aggression targeting prison workers, sparking concerns over safety and security within and beyond prison walls.
The strike action, organized by the VSOA union, comes after three alarming cases of violence directed at prison personnel.
In Heers, the vehicle of a Leuven prison worker was deliberately set ablaze, while a Molotov cocktail was hurled at the car of a Haren prison employee. Additionally, the home of another Haren prison worker was attacked, further escalating fears among correctional staff.
Nationwide Strike to Send Strong Message
According to Eddy De Smedt, federal secretary of the VSOA union, the strike will affect all prisons in Belgium, with a picket line set up at Haren prison, one of the largest detention facilities in the country.
“With the action, we want to send a signal that aggression against prison staff needs to be addressed both inside and outside the walls. There is a need for zero tolerance,” De Smedt said, emphasizing the union’s demand for stricter measures to protect prison employees.
The Belgian Prison Service has confirmed that nearly all Flemish prisons are expected to suffer from staff shortages during the strike, while at least four prisons in Wallonia will also be heavily impacted. The industrial action is anticipated to disrupt prison operations significantly, potentially affecting security and inmate management across the country.
Mounting Safety Concerns for Prison Workers
Belgium’s prison staff have long raised concerns over safety conditions, citing rising violence from inmates and external threats. Unions argue that the recent attacks highlight the urgent need for reinforced security measures, better surveillance, and stronger legal protections for employees.
The incidents in Heers and Haren reflect a disturbing trend of targeted aggression against prison personnel. While authorities are investigating the motives behind these attacks, unions insist that the government must act swiftly to prevent further escalation.
Prison officers are calling for increased police presence near detention centers and stronger penalties for those who engage in violence against staff. The VSOA union has warned that if no concrete steps are taken, further strike actions and protests may follow.
Government Response and Future Implications
The Belgian government has yet to respond formally to the planned strike, but officials have previously acknowledged the security challenges faced by prison workers. Justice Minister Paul Van Tigchelt has expressed concerns about violence in and around prisons, though unions argue that more tangible actions are needed to ensure staff safety.
The strike is expected to put additional pressure on the government to address the crisis. If authorities fail to implement stricter measures, Belgium’s prison system could see continued disruptions as staff demand greater protection from both internal and external threats.
As the 24-hour strike unfolds, all eyes will be on the government’s response and whether it can provide the necessary assurances to prevent further unrest among Belgium’s prison staff.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
