Staff and unions ‘buried’ Hoogstraat prison: “I didn’t sleep at night because of the news” (Hoogstraten)

Due to its outdated condition and the high renovation costs, the FPS Justice has decided that the prison in Hoogstraten will close in 2026 when the new prison in Antwerp is ready. Although staff can work elsewhere, this transition is not an easy step for many.

The news came completely unexpectedly for the unions and employees. “We met with Justice Minister Van Tigchelt several times in March and early April,” Robby De Kaey of the socialist trade union ACOD previously explained. “But not a word has been said about this closure.”

To express their dissatisfaction, the joint trade union front (ACV, ACOD and VSOA) took action in front of the prison gates on Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This action is part of the long-running strike actions being held in Belgian prisons due to overcrowding and staff shortages.

“We regret that such a sudden decision has been made, while we are struggling with a major staff shortage and lack of space,” says Frank Conings, justice secretary at ACV. “There is still a lot of uncertainty. Everything seems impossible, but we believe everything is still possible. A lot can happen in 1.5 years.”

During the action, a coffin was carried along a guard of honor to the gate.

READ ALSO. No walls and a football team: what makes Hoogstraten prison so special

Unique

Hoogstraten prison is an open institution with a community regime where convicts can receive training. That system is unique in the region and that aspect is an important element for staff and trade unions. “In Hoogstraten, prisoners receive the right training to take an intermediate step before returning to society. That is an added value,” explains trade unionist Frank Conings.

The decision caused much disappointment. On the one hand, because there were plans to renovate the prison. On the other hand, there is dissatisfaction with the way the news reached the unions and staff. “The press was actually informed before we were,” says Conings. “That way of working is not kosher. You first consult with the unions and then you communicate with the employees.”

Guards

There are currently 186 detainees in Hoogstraten. The staff consists of 132 full-time equivalents, including 111 for security. “I consciously chose this prison,” says prison guard Laura Rombouts. “This regime suits who I am. There is a completely different atmosphere at other institutions.”

26-year-old Laura has been working for the Hoogstraten prison for 4.5 years and has never participated in strikes or other industrial action in all that time, until now. “I’m very disappointed because they initially told us there would be another renovation,” she says. “That’s why I think it’s important to participate. We don’t know if it will change anything, but it is mainly a signal.”

“I consciously chose this prison. This regimen suits who I am. There is a completely different atmosphere at other institutions”

Laura Rombouts

Jailer

Glen De Roover, a 42-year-old prison guard, has been working for the Hoogstraat prison for exactly one year. “I never thought I would be standing here,” he begins. “The news hit like a bomb. I haven’t slept at night because of it and I’m still having a hard time with it emotionally because it causes a lot of uncertainty.”

His biggest concern is where he will end up. Glen also deliberately chose the Hoogstraat prison because of the regime. “And the relationship between guards and detainees is quite unique. There is also much less aggression,” he says. “I’m very afraid that if I have to go to Antwerp, it will be completely the other way around. I now feel heard by colleagues and unions, but that’s where the story ends.”

READ ALSO. Residents of Hoogstraten are already thinking about the future of the castle after the closure of the prison: “Turn it into a healthcare institution”