Judicial strikes reported in HNK and Austria

Judicial workers in two different regions are engaging in strikes to address systemic issues within their legal systems.

In the Hercegovačko-neretvanski Canton (HNK), employees have been on a general strike for over a month. The workers are demanding a 20 percent salary increase for all staff, citing significant pay disparities and the sensitive nature of their work, which involves handling confidential data and security clearances. While the HNK government argues the demand lacks legal basis, union leaders suggest a compromise may be possible.

In Austria, judges and prosecutors have launched a strike to protest severe staffing shortages. The Austrian Association of Judges estimates a deficit of over 250 judges, while the Austrian Association of Prosecutors reports a shortage of approximately 70 people. Protesters have suspended work on all non-urgent cases to highlight the strain caused by increasing workloads and complex cases, such as cybercrime. The Austrian Ministry of Justice has expressed understanding but noted that the government's current priority is reducing the national budget deficit.