In a period marked by ongoing labor action, a prolonged stand-off has continued within the Ministry of Justice. Since May 22, a decision to declare an indefinite strike by the ministry’s unionized workforce has kept tension high. A strike committee prepared for a meeting slated for the coming Tuesday, aiming to address strike-related concerns and push for constructive talks with the ministry’s leadership. The unions involved, STAJ, UGT, CC OO, and CSIF, have refused to suspend the action, insisting that the ministry present a concrete economic proposal that meets the wage expectations and living standards of the members. The workforce represented by these unions numbers around 45,000 Justice officers who remain resolute in their demand for fair remuneration and recognition of service.
The entrance to the Palace of Justice in Alicante became the focal point of a new wave of demonstrations yesterday. More than a hundred workers gathered in a show of solidarity, raising banners and chanting to demand improved pay and formal acknowledgment of the essential work performed daily. The scene was accompanied by persistent whistles and rhythmic drumming, underscoring the urgency of the salary discussions.
The scene outside the Palace of Justice continued to draw attention as participants stood firm in their demands. A final moment of concentrated focus occurred as the march paused, with the crowd listening for any sign of a potential breakthrough in negotiations. The exchange of views between union representatives and managers was anticipated to shape the next steps in the labor action. It was clear that the workers sought not only a wage increase but also broader recognition of the demanding nature of the job and the stability required for the justice system to function effectively.
The ministry’s request for dialogue followed persistent calls by the unions for mediation at the highest levels of government. Leaders urged the participation of the head of Government and the Vice-President, signaling a willingness to explore mediated outcomes while protecting workers’ rights. The Supreme Court’s Office of the Chief Prosecutor has raised questions about past communications and whether the ministry fulfilled statutory obligations to engage with representatives of the workforce during the strike period. The tension centers on balancing the right to protest with the obligation to ensure public services remain accessible and reliable for citizens. The government’s response was awaited as discussions moved toward possible guarantees and safeguards that could prevent disruption in a system already under strain.
Don’t let your guard down
Union delegates encouraged authorities to stay engaged and to maintain momentum in the pursuit of a negotiated settlement. They emphasized that the strength of the mobilizations has grown over time and that genuine progress will come only through sustained collective action with broad backing from workers. In a formal statement, the strike committee reaffirmed their commitment to continuing demonstrations until a satisfactory agreement is reached that addresses wage concerns, safety, and the broader conditions under which justice personnel operate. The unions warned that any retreat from negotiations without meaningful concessions could embolden further escalation and prolong the disruption to essential services.
While the scheduling of a formal meeting remains ambiguous, observers note that a decisive turn could emerge if the ministry chooses to abandon what many describe as an arrogant stance that has persisted for nearly two months. The 45,000 public justice officials—though representing a specialized segment of the public sector—are insisting that improved pay scales should reflect the critical nature of their daily responsibilities. The call is for real-world improvements that shore up the public service, rather than temporary stopgap measures that fail to address long-standing concerns. The situation remains fluid, with a broader public interest in ensuring that the justice system can recruit and retain skilled personnel who are essential to upholding the rule of law and delivering timely justice to citizens.