A recent coordinated strike by Justice Administration Lawyers in the province achieved a remarkably high follow rate, exceeding 90 percent. The action involved the suspension of approximately 250 hearings, appearances in Alicante and Elche, with around 200 in Alicante and 50 in Elche. The protests continued on Wednesday, December 14 and 15, and there is a clear intention to sustain the stoppage into January if the Ministry of Justice does not commit to the agreed terms.
The collective previously staged a strike in April, which was suspended after the government signed a mutual agreement. Since then, updates to LAJ fees have been a live topic. During the verification process there was no sign of any salary promises being fulfilled in the budgets, prompting renewed concern among members.
Strike monitoring shows national follow-up at about 75.3 percent, with regional variations. In Alicante, 51 of 57 lawyers joined or supported the strike, while Elche and Alcoy saw broad participation from the profession. The result was that non-urgent matters remained unaddressed, though urgent cases, including detainee matters, gender-based violence issues, and injunctive relief, continued to be handled to ensure public safety and access to justice.
suspensions
Five criminal cases were suspended at the Benalúa Palace of Justice, along with 33 civilian matters of the First Order. Officials from the Benalúa Palace of Justice indicated that civil cases halted during the strike would not be heard again until 2024. Two additional cases at the Alicante Court were suspended as well. The strike did not impact the popular murder trial, which proceeded under minimum services arrangements.
Concentration activities occurred in the City of Justice in Elche on Monday, underscoring the sustained demand for action from legal professionals.
Inside Elche, observations noted 15 investigations in the Investigation Courts, three expedited trials in the Asliye, ten hearings and four additional hearings, one conciliation in Ticaret, six reconciliations, and thirty social cases, along with two other criminal-stage hearings that were also suspended.
Three professional associations within the Justice Administration Lawyers sector organized the strikes: the Progressives Union, the Independent Association, and the National College of Justice Administration Lawyers. These groups indicated that the actions could have been avoided if the Justice Department had honored the agreed terms. They also voiced a clear warning that if the government does not comply, the strikes will persist and demands will be pursued to their full extent.
Authorities and observers note that the strikes reflect a broader tension over funding and workflow in the justice system. The participating lawyers stressed the need for transparent budgeting, reliable salary promises, and a stable framework for fee updates. As discussions continue, the legal community remains prepared to sustain organized action while continuing to serve urgent cases and protect the rights of all parties involved.
These developments have sparked discussions among policymakers and legal professionals about how to balance access to justice with the practical realities of court operations. Legal observers suggest that the current stalemate could be resolved through concrete timelines for fee adjustments and a binding agreement that addresses the most pressing concerns of the LAJ members. The situation underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue between the government and legal associations to prevent disruptions that affect the public’s ability to obtain timely legal remedies.
In reporting on the strikes, observers noted that the demonstrations were conducted in a disciplined manner, with a consistent message centered on fair compensation, predictable budgets, and the timely processing of essential cases. The associations emphasized that their actions are a last resort after attempts at negotiation and that they remain open to a cooperative path forward if the government adheres to agreed terms.
For stakeholders, the ongoing situation highlights the critical link between professional standards, public financing, and the effective functioning of the justice system. The unions maintain that a stable and adequately funded system will reduce backlogs and improve the experience for both clients and professionals alike. As the next steps unfold, the public and legal community will watch closely to see whether the government commits to the outlined measures and whether an enduring resolution emerges.