Protest Action by the Union in Vienna-Simmering Correctional Facility

"If we can no longer maintain our standards in juvenile detention - especially when the complete separation from adults is not guaranteed - these are clear warning signals that must be taken very seriously," said Norbert Dürnberger, the chairman of the prison guard union of the Public Service Union (GÖD).

Union Protest at Vienna-Simmering Correctional Facility: Criticism of Overload and Deficiencies in Juvenile Detention

The great discontent among the prison guards is based not least on the increasing occupancy numbers, "which lead to massive tensions in the correctional facilities and forensic-therapeutic centers," it was stated in a release. "When cells have to be equipped with additional beds, it is a clear sign of overload. The concern among colleagues is particularly high before the summer months due to staff shortages - because the situation is already tense, and internal transfers are hardly possible," warned Dürnberger, aligning with the criticism of Ombudswoman Gabriela Schwarz (ÖVP), who had mentioned earlier this week that juvenile detention is faltering at every corner and almost nothing is functioning.

Additional pressure is also caused by the sluggish start of the new juvenile prison Münnichplatz, also in Vienna-Simmering, which was supposed to bring relief. "Instead, the Simmering correctional facility still bears the brunt of the burden - much to the annoyance of the colleagues," criticized the chairman of the prison guard union. "The colleagues urgently demand improvements. Rapid action and measures that bring noticeable relief are needed now. Savings or a 'business as usual' approach are not an option," Dürnberger told the political leaders. It is also about the safety of the prison guards.

(APA/red)

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