It denounced what it said were “attempts to coerce” officials who wanted to take part in the strike into not doing so.

In comments to Lusa News Agency, the president of the Union of Justice Officials, Carlos Almeida, said that in the North region participation in the strike was between 70% and 75% while in the South it was between 55% and 60%.

The strike was called to press for the unfreezing of career progression, more training, and retirement from age 60.

The union alleges that the Ministry of Justice has not responded to its proposals but is also concerned about what it says are illicit moves to stop its members from striking.

Almeida cited “quite worrying situations” of officials with doubts as to whether they could take part in the strike, with “judicial administrators … trying to stop” them.

“The attempt at coercion of court officials is lamentable,” he said.

Court officials are required to ensure a skeleton service during the strike.