By Beyza Binnur Donmez
GENEVA (AA) - The officials of the general and special bodies of the administration of justice on Monday began an indefinite strike in Spain to demand higher salaries and better working conditions.
The strike decision came after the judicial unions CSIF, STAJ, CCOO, and UGT called on 45,000 civil servants, which make up 93% of the staff of courts and tribunals, to go on an indefinite strike to increase pressure on the Spanish government.
After more than a month of specific mobilizations without fruitful negotiations, half a million lawsuits were suspended and more than 30 million legal proceedings were stopped, according to the unions.
Meanwhile, judges and prosecutors will sign their salary increase agreement on Tuesday, of about €450 (nearly $487) per month.
They gave up on going on an indefinite strike after reaching an agreement with the Justice Ministry last week, ensuring their salary increase and improvement of their working conditions.