Spain’s Unions Begin Nationwide Strike Over Housing Costs

Spain’s largest trade union confederations began a 24-hour nationwide general strike on November 11, with workers and housing campaigners demanding action on housing costs, wages and prices ahead of the November 29 election. The walkout is the country’s first general strike in 14 years jointly backed by CCOO and UGT.

The strike disrupted transport and workplaces in several parts of Spain. Reports described roadblocks in Barcelona, clashes between pickets and police near Madrid’s Mercamadrid wholesale market, and reduced or halted services in some areas. Public transport operated under minimum-service requirements, with the impact varying by location and sector.

CCOO and UGT reported early participation of 90% in the automotive and port sectors, 85% in meat processing, 82% in waste collection and 75% in energy. The unions also reported lower participation in healthcare and social services, at 38%, and postal services, at 35%. Those figures are union estimates for specific sectors, not a nationwide participation rate.

Participation appeared uneven. The Spanish business association CEOE said the impact varied by region and type of work, with low participation in most sectors. In...