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Unattended supervision of 200 inmates in Portuguese prisons, coupled with the absence of guards during nighttime.

Portuguese prison guards criticize the instability in penitentiary facilities and advocate for the recruitment of additional personnel. A discussion with the appropriate authority is planned for November 11th.

Overcrowded prisons in Portugal, with one guard overseeing 200 inmates, and absences of guards...
Overcrowded prisons in Portugal, with one guard overseeing 200 inmates, and absences of guards during the night. This depicts the current predicament in Portuguese penitentiary institutions.

Unattended supervision of 200 inmates in Portuguese prisons, coupled with the absence of guards during nighttime.

The prison system in Portugal is facing a critical juncture, with concerns about instability and insecurity within the workplaces of prison guards coming to the forefront. These issues, which could potentially escalate into a strike, are set to be addressed in a meeting on September 11th between the prison guards' trade union and the relevant authority.

The meeting, which is yet to name the specific authority, is a response to the union's request to discuss the increasing prison population and the decreasing number of guards. The decline in the number of guards is attributed to both reforms and bureaucratic obstacles to accessing the career.

Prison guards have been vocal about their complaints, expressing concerns about the outdated model and inadequate security mechanisms within the prisons. The recent escape of prisoners from the Vale de Judeus prison has further highlighted the need for urgent action. In response, the Directorate-General for Rehabilitation and Prison Services has announced measures to address these issues.

However, the announced measures are reportedly slow to arrive, leading to frustration among the prison guards. They are not only complaining about a lack of staff but also accusing the Government of not giving the prison career the recognition it deserves.

The situation has led some prisons to go on local strike, with the potential for a wider strike if the concerns are not adequately addressed. The Government's response to these concerns could significantly impact its relationship with the prison guards.

As the meeting on September 11th approaches, all eyes are on the authorities to see how they will address these pressing issues within the prison system. The outcome of this meeting could shape the future of Portugal's prisons and the safety of those who work within them.

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