The Ministry of Justice reached an agreement today with the National Union of Prison Guard Corps (SNCGP), the Union of Prison Guard Corps Leadership (ASCCGP), and the Union of Prison Guard Corps Professionals (ASPCGP) to enhance the careers of the prison guard sector. This agreement comprises three measures deemed essential by the unions.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Justice (MJ), the agreement signed with Minister Rita Alarcão Júdice includes reducing the entry age for prison guards from 21 to 18 years and increasing the maximum age from 28 to 35 years. This change aims to expand the pool of candidates and the recruitment base, MJ stated.
With this alteration, the age range for joining the prison guard career will align with that of PSP agents.
The agreement also stipulates the payment for overtime work performed by the Prison Guard Corps beyond the prescribed limits in duly justified cases, where it becomes necessary to ensure security in prison facilities.
Another measure involves simplifying and expediting recruitment processes to tailor the admission and training to current social demands by amending the previous ordinance.
“Today, we take another significant step in enhancing the careers of Prison Guard Corps professionals,” the MJ noted, adding that “this outcome stems from concerted negotiations among all parties, providing a strong impetus to reinforce and rejuvenate the prison guard workforce and make the career more appealing.”
The Minister of Justice emphasized that this commitment reflects the importance the Ministry and the Government place on the prison system.
The ministry is collaborating with the Directorate-General for Reintegration and Prison Services to develop a multi-year (2026-2029) recruitment and promotion plan for the Prison Guard Corps. This plan aims to ensure an increase and rejuvenation of the staff, maintaining high readiness levels and operational efficacy, as pledged in the Government’s program.
This agreement, which was pre-announced on Tuesday by the SNCGP, led to the union withdrawing its participation in the general strike scheduled for December 11th, as mentioned by its president, Frederico Morais, to Lusa.
