Working behind bars: an ETUI and EPSU debate and photo exhibition

“Crime and justice policy in Europe [seems to be] shifting towards a more punitive rather than rehabilitation orientation in the area of imprisonment”

The European Federation of Public Service Unions, and the European Trade Union Institute, are pleased to invite you to this thought-provoking photo exhibition and debate on workers and working conditions in prisons.

Originally featured in the 19th edition of HesaMag, the ETUI health and safety magazine, the photographs provide a rare glimpse into the realities of life inside a French prison, which stands on the margins of society.

To work as a prisoner and to work with prisoners is a very ordinary job in terms of the actual actions and tasks being performed. But the context in which the work is being performed is radically different to the ‘outside’ world.

Criminal justice systems in Europe are shifting towards the repression of prisoners rather than their rehabilitation and reintegration, and many prisons in Europe remain overcrowded. Bringing visibility to this hidden world is a priority of EPSU, the largest European federation of trade unions for prison staff.

This ETUI and EPSU exhibition will shed light on some of the issues faced by prison workers, which are rarely addressed in occupational health.

Photographer Sadak Souici will present the project and provide greater context to his photos, joined by  ETUI senior researcher Laurent Vogel,  EPSU policy officer Nadja Salson and national trade union representatives.

An apero and light snacks will be served.

Please register using this link.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Please note that the debate will take place in French and English only.