In January 2018, a German terrorist assaulted two guards with a knife, which led to strikes in all French prisons for about 2 weeks (even though guards, like soldiers, are not allowed to be on strike).
This really surprised me while reading.
How is it logistically possible for the guards to go on strike?
Who was doing all the routine work of operating cell doors, cameras, and other security facilities?
How is it logistically possible for the guards to go on strike?
Who was doing all the routine work of operating cell doors, cameras, and other security facilities?
This is a good question. In France, prison guards are not allowed to strike (like most police, military, and judges). At the time, the penitentiary administration asked for sanctions against guards who took part in the strike, but I think most were not applied because there was a shortage of guards.
In practice, guards were replaced by gendarmes, and work was reduced to the basics (e.g. security and food). In particular, classes, visits, and yard time were greatly reduced and sometimes completely cut, which heightened tensions with inmates.
This really surprised me while reading.
How is it logistically possible for the guards to go on strike?
Who was doing all the routine work of operating cell doors, cameras, and other security facilities?
This is a good question. In France, prison guards are not allowed to strike (like most police, military, and judges). At the time, the penitentiary administration asked for sanctions against guards who took part in the strike, but I think most were not applied because there was a shortage of guards.
In practice, guards were replaced by gendarmes, and work was reduced to the basics (e.g. security and food). In particular, classes, visits, and yard time were greatly reduced and sometimes completely cut, which heightened tensions with inmates.