Porto prison guards suspend strike following security negotiations

Prison guards at the Porto Prison establishment, commonly known as the Custóias prison in Matosinhos, have decided to suspend their strike effective Monday, October 5, at midnight. The strike, which was originally scheduled to last until October 31, follows negotiations between the union commission and the facility's management.

Frederico Morais, president of the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps, stated that the decision stems from reached solutions regarding the internal reorganization of inmate activities and agreements on administrative adjustments required by the Directorate-General. The union described the suspension as a “vote of confidence” in the implementation of agreed-upon measures and planned internal restructurings.

The guards had been on strike for a month, citing a lack of security and frequent verbal and physical assaults against staff. Key demands included improved measures to combat physical and psychological aggression from inmates in the facility, which houses over one thousand prisoners. Additionally, negotiations addressed concerns regarding the appointment of a new clinical director.