A few strike days by the collective Attorneys at the Ministry of Justice showed that they could halt judicial activity. The outcomes of these strikes varied across the country, yet the movement gained strong backing within the state. Indices surpassed 90 percent among about 175 professionals who form the staff of this body. Thirteen jurisdictions in Alicante were affected. The momentum of the group within the Ministry of Justice grew even further as three professional associations joined after this Friday. an open-ended strike began on January 24. The measure carried unforeseen consequences, because in prior strikes, judicial lawyers clearly stated that if they stop, the courts will stop as well. They insist that the Government bears responsibility for the harm to citizens, not they, for refusing to negotiate.
one. What are the lawyers of the Ministry of Justice?
Justice Administration lawyers, formerly called forensic secretaries, are a single superior legal body with national scope, fulfilling duties with an official, authority-bearing role. Like judges and prosecutors, they belong to the A1 civil servant group.
2. What are their duties in the courthouse?
They oversee the Judicial Office. Their responsibilities range from regulating casework to providing public trust in procedural acts, and without their signature, nothing in a case can be deemed valid. Other duties include statistics, streamlining the processes, and improving efficiency.
3. When and why were the powers of the secretaries expanded?
Forensic lawyers gained new roles starting in 2009; previously, these tasks rested with the judges. The aim was to free judges to focus on prosecution and sentencing, while placing work organization in the hands of the secretaries. In tandem with the recording of hearings, they were relieved from needing to be physically present at hearings so they could concentrate on these new duties.
4. What are the new duties?
The 2009 reform significantly broadened the powers of judicial lawyers in civil and criminal matters. They are no longer limited to promoting procedures; they can also make decisions that end those procedures, issue closing decrees, handle small-claims payments, oversee foreclosures, and settle business disputes, among other tasks. The law even authorizes them to solemnize weddings.
5. Why were salaries not aligned with the new responsibilities?
Reforms expanded the duties of court clerks during a period of a full economic crisis. The Public Administration faced strict cutbacks and spending limits. Management asked the group to wait for a more favorable economic moment, but there was no salary increase.
6. How much money is requested from the Ministry of Justice?
The group of Justice Administration Attorneys estimates that some fees will impose costs on the Administration, totaling about 27 million euros, with roughly 13 million allocated to replacements that had not been paid until recently and were about 80 percent completed.
7. Why was the strike restarted after mid-year cuts?
The Justice Administration Lawyers had already held several days of strike last April, but layoffs were suspended after an agreement with the Justice Department. After the summer, the conflict resurfaced, with confirmation that the Treasury vetoed the agreed salary increases and there were no budget allocations to fund them.
8. Is the strike purely an economic issue?
Former court clerks are demanding recognition of their right to have and maintain independent collective bargaining, as well as institutional respect for agreements signed with Justice. The group disputes the claims, accusing the Ministry of lacking interest in reaching a deal.
9. Why is the unemployment rate higher in the province?
The follow-up data from strike days in Alicante during the last November and December showed levels well above the national average. While the national average sits around 73 percent, the local figure reached about 93 percent. The province’s workload is heavier due to the higher volume of registered cases, compounding the challenges faced by the collective.