Prison staff launch nationwide 24-hour strike over chronic overcrowding
A coalition of prison unions announced a 24-hour strike on Friday to protest structural overcrowding and staffing shortages.
Last week the front commun syndical, comprising CSC/ACV, CGSP/ACOD and SLFP/VSOA, submitted a strike notice and entered talks with the Ministry of Justice, which ended without a deal. The unions therefore set a 24-hour strike for Friday, expecting broad participation. M. Blancke highlighted years of structural prison overcrowding and criticized the government's reliance on ad-hoc emergency measures.
He also pointed to chronic staff shortages, dilapidated facilities, and uncertainty over salary increases promised in the latest social accord. Prison authorities have not disclosed the likely impact of the strike, and no further negotiations are planned before the action ends at 06:00 on Saturday.
Why it matters
The strike underscores deep flaws in the prison system that could affect inmate safety and public security.
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