24-hour strike under way across Belgian prisons over privatisation concerns

A 24-hour strike is under way in prisons across Belgium after beginning at 10pm on Sunday night. Unions are protesting against what they see as a growing move towards privatising public services.

The nationwide action involves prison staff and forms part of a broader campaign by unions against federal government reforms, including budget cuts and pension changes.

At the centre of the dispute is a new prison in Antwerp, which has yet to open. The government plans to use private security staff there, a move unions strongly oppose. They argue it sets a dangerous precedent and could lead to the outsourcing of essential public duties.

Justice minister Annelies Verlinden has rejected those concerns, saying there is “no privatisation”. She described the use of private guards as temporary and limited. According to the government, these staff will not interact with prisoners but will instead handle tasks such as visitor checks and car park monitoring.

Unions say the decision was made without proper consultation. They also oppose a proposed law allowing EU and Swiss nationals to work in prisons, arguing it conflicts with the constitution, which reserves authority roles for Belgian citizens.

The strike has also spread to several closed immigration centres, including those in Merksplas, Bruges and Steenokkerzeel. Police have been deployed to maintain operations due to staff shortages.

In Antwerp, more than 200 union representatives protested outside the prison, warning that similar measures could soon affect other public services.

Talks between unions and Civil Service minister Vanessa Matz are expected later this week.

^{© BELGA PHOTO JILL DELSAUX}