The Ministry of Justice has begun compensating overtime work as stipulated by law. An agreement with the prison guard unions will allow for overtime payment beyond what is outlined in the General Labor Law in Public Functions, in duly justified and exceptional cases, when necessary to ensure safety in prisons, as per a joint order from the Ministries of Justice and Finance.
Within the scope of agreements signed today, the minimum age for entering the prison guard career will be reduced to 18 years and the maximum age will increase to 35, as indicated by the Ministry of Justice in a statement.
These changes are part of an agreement celebrated today among the Ministry of Justice, the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps (SNCGP), the Union of Chief Officers of the Prison Guard Corps (ASCCGP), and the Union of Professionals of the Prison Guard Corps (ASPCGP). This agreement aims to enhance the careers in this professional group, with the application of three measures considered fundamental by the unions.
The Ministry of Justice states that the agreement signed today with Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice reduces the entry age from 21 to 18 years and raises the maximum age from 28 to 35 years, thereby “expanding the number of candidates and the recruitment base,” according to the MJ.
With this alteration, the minimum and maximum ages for joining the prison guard career will match those for the admission of PSP agents.
Another measure includes simplifying and speeding up recruitment processes to adapt hiring and training to current social demands, with adjustments to the previous ordinance.
“Today, we take another significant step in enhancing the professionals of the Prison Guard Corps,” states the MJ, adding that “this outcome results from a mutual effort in negotiations and represents a strong drive to reinforce and rejuvenate the prison guard workforce, making the career more appealing.”
In the statement, the Minister of Justice emphasizes that this commitment underscores the importance placed by the Ministry of Justice and the Government on the prison system.
The ministry additionally reports collaborating with the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services on a multi-year plan (2026-2029) for hiring and promotions within the Prison Guard Corps careers. This plan aims to ensure their expansion and rejuvenation, maintain high readiness, and operational effectiveness, aligning with the Government’s program commitments.
This agreement, as previously announced on Tuesday by the National Union of the Prison Guard Corps (SNCGP), led the union to withdraw its participation from a general strike scheduled for December 11, as disclosed by its president, Frederico Morais.
