Most of the Algarve’s courts were without judges today because of strike action. At least five of the region’s courts had no judges at all.
In Portimão, Lagos, Albufeira, Tavira and Vila Real de Santo António courts, the strike action was supported 100%, with a regional figure of over 90% as most downed gavels in protest at the government's sloth in agreeing lucrative changes.
Faro Court was virtually empty this morning, with only two judges turning up from a pool of over 20. At the Civil, Family and Juvenile and Labour courts, located in two other buildings in Faro, there were no judges at all.
In Loulé court there were two judges working, while in Olhão one judge was beavering away but in Silves court, only one judge went on strike.
Thirteen years after the last strike action, the region’s judges today were protesting about the government’s delay to remuneration, moves to make judges more independent and career progression.
The last judges’ strike was in October 2005, during the first government of José Sócrates. Then, they were striking against the Socialist executive's plan to reduce the summer holiday court closure period, the freezing of career progression, changes to retirement deals and overdue changes to their professional status.