Portuguese prison guards to strike over Christmas, New Year

LISBON, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Portuguese prison guards are to strike between Christmas and New Year, their union leader announced on Wednesday.

Jorge Alves, head of the National Union of Prison Guards (SNCGP), said the industrial action comes as a consequence of new shift patterns being imposed "unilaterally and in such a way as to jeopardize security in the affected prison establishments".

The first wave of strikes will take place between Dec. 24 and Dec. 27 in six prisons: Lisbon, Porto, Pacos de Ferreira, Coimbra, Castelo Branco and Funchal. These are the prison establishments where the General Directorate of the Prison Service (DGSP) has imposed new working timetables.

The SNCGP opposes the new timetables, arguing they do not give due consideration or recompense for irregular shift patterns, including night shifts.

Further strikes will take place from Dec. 31 to Jan. 2 at the same six institutions and at other prisons, in accordance with the independent prison guards union.

Alves told the Portuguese Lusa News Agency that basic services of food and medication would be guaranteed for prisoners.

Prisoner visits would likewise not be affected, as visits are not permitted during public holidays.

Nevertheless, it will be a disruption at what is a particularly sensitive time for prisons. Inmates are considered to be more psychologically vulnerable over the Christmas period, traditionally a social and family-oriented time. Enditem