Austrian judges to suspend hearings during "Action Week" over staff shortages

Judges and prosecutors across Austria are preparing to hold an "Action Week for the Rule of Law" from October 12 to 16 to protest chronic staff shortages within the judiciary. The presidents of the four Higher Regional Courts (OLG) in Vienna, Graz, Linz, and Innsbruck have announced that virtually all courts in the republic, including 20 courts of first instance and 113 district courts, will stand behind this protest.

The chosen week in October is significant as it marks the point where the "calculated workload" within the existing staffing system is considered completed. The judiciary argues that the remaining months of the year require work beyond what is reasonable, and if this situation persists, court proceedings will become even longer, and the quality of justice will decline.

While a formal strike is not planned due to the essential nature of judicial duties and a desire not to disadvantage those seeking justice, the "Action Week" is intended as a precursor. During this period, no new hearings will be scheduled, and existing appointments will be postponed. Urgent matters, such as temporary protection orders or decisions on pre-trial detention, will still be processed. However, the written issuance of judgments will be suspended, and appointments for "Amtstage" (days for explaining procedures to parties) will not be made.

Currently, Austria employs around 2,000 judges and 450 prosecutors. The president of the Judges' Association, Gernot Kanduth, stated that the number of cases has continuously increased over the past five years, with a deficit of 220 positions at the regional and district courts. This action aims to bring attention to the critical need for more permanent positions to ensure the efficient and fair administration of justice.