Austrian judges and prosecutors launch strike over staff shortages

Judges and prosecutors in Austria have launched a week-long series of strikes and protests to highlight severe staff shortages and excessive workloads within the justice system. During this action week, regular court hearings, judicial decisions, and official appointments are largely suspended, with appointments only being made for urgent cases.

According to the judges' association, workload at district and regional courts is currently at approximately 120 percent capacity. In Styria alone, 32 positions are vacant out of 185 existing roles. This shortage has led to significant delays, with some courts facing waits of up to one year before a first hearing can occur. These delays affect various legal sectors, including criminal justice, family law, and divorce proceedings.

Legal representatives argue that despite years of campaigning for more resources, no additional positions have been allocated in the 2027/2028 budget. While the Ministry of Justice has pointed to planned relief measures, judicial professionals warn that the current staffing levels are insufficient to handle both existing backlogs and new legal requirements introduced by recent legislation.