Leuven-Central Prison Guards Strike Over Safety Concerns Following Threats, VSOA’s Eddy De Smedt Weighs In

Leuven (Eurotoday Newspaper): After a recent incident at Leuven-Central prison, management, and the VSOA union agreed on a “minimum service” plan to improve guards’ safety. Eddy De Smedt highlighted ongoing staff concerns, while Kathleen Van de Viver announced that cell doors would be closed for two days. A strike is planned for December 6. 

The colleagues of the affected prison guard are worried after a recent incident. To address their concerns, the management of Leuven-Centraal prison and the liberal trade union VSOA held a meeting to create safety measures for staff. They agreed that prison guards will follow a “minimum service” plan, which limits their duties to essential tasks like providing meals for inmates, helping with hygiene, and managing visits. This plan aims to reduce risks while keeping the prison operating normally.

How will Leuven-Centraal Prison address safety concerns amid ongoing staff worries?

Eddy De Smedt, a representative of the VSOA, stated that the minimum service plan will continue for at least another day due to ongoing worries among the prison guards.  Kathleen Van de Viver from the Prison Service mentioned that cell doors will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, stopping the open door system. However, training and work will continue, and inmates will have a 1-hour walk. They will check these changes again tomorrow. A guard from Heers got a threatening letter saying trouble would return if he continued working. De Smedt stated that the staff are worried and want to help their colleague but are unsure how to work in these conditions, even though they try their best daily.

According to the union, the actions would only affect Leuven-Centraal. They have planned a strike for December 6 and will meet on Tuesday to discuss things. De Smedt mentioned that the prison guard who was threatened won’t return to work for now because he needs time to recover.