Workers across Spain began a nationwide general strike on Wednesday, November 11, calling for action on housing costs and wages less than three weeks before a national election. The walkout was expected to disrupt public transport and slow or close businesses, factories and shops.
The strike was called by Spain’s two largest unions, UGT and CCOO. A notice published in the Official State Gazette set out the nationwide action. It is the first general strike jointly backed by the two unions in 14 years.
In early statements, the unions reported stoppages of 90% in the automotive and port sectors, 85% in the meat industry, 82% in waste collection and 75% in energy. Those figures were union estimates. There were also reports of roadblocks in Barcelona and clashes between picketers and police near Mercamadrid, Madrid’s wholesale market. CCOO’s Madrid branch said police used pepper spray and arrested one picket; it reported 13 people needing medical attention.
Housing costs shape campaign debate
Housing has become a central issue for the strike’s organizers and the election campaign. The average rent in Spain has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to figures cited by France 24. The report also cited a central bank estimate of a housing shortfall of about 750,000 homes, projected to exceed one million by 2028.
Housing activists are calling for an end to tourist apartments, measures against real estate speculation and automatic lease renewals for renters. UGT and CCOO are seeking greater government intervention in the housing market and a new minimum-wage agreement negotiated with employers.
Spain is due to hold a snap election on November 29. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the vote on October 5, seeking another term for his left-wing coalition. The conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox oppose broader government intervention in the housing market and have accused unions of using the strike to support Sánchez’s bid to remain in office.
Reid Bentley