Workers are stopping life in Spain: General strike to demand a solution to the housing crisis and a wage increase
Workers' and tenants' unions called for a 24-hour strike to demand wage increases and a solution to the housing crisis
Quick Look
- In Spain, workers' and tenants' unions organized a 24-hour general strike to demand a wage increase and a solution to the housing crisis.
- The strike took place before the snap general election on November 29 and affected nearly 19 million workers.
- More than 800 people from the world of culture and art supported the strike.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The first general strike was held in Spain in 14 years. The strike took place before the early general election to be held on 29 November. Eight unions officially registered the 24-hour strike call with the Ministry of Labor.
In Spain, labor unions and tenants' unions are organizing a 24-hour general strike to demand a solution to the housing crisis and a wage increase.
The general strike, affecting nearly 19 million employees in the public and private sectors, started at midnight.
The slogan of the first general strike in the country after 14 years was determined as "Salaries, housing and prices".
Eight unions, including the General Workers' Union (UGT), the Workers' Commissions (CCOO), and the General Confederation of Workers (CGT), officially registered the 24-hour strike call with the Ministry of Labor.
In the first hours of the strike, it was seen that workers demonstrated, especially in train stations, vegetable and fruit markets and the industrial sector, and tried to prevent entrances to stations or factories.
"FIGHT AGAINST INEQUALITY"
The CCOO union stated on its website, where it explained the reasons for the strike, "The problem is not a lack of wealth. The problem is how wealth is distributed. Companies, business organizations, local governments and the government must take action."
In its manifesto, the UGT union said, "For decent wages and access to housing. For the defense of public services, for the fair distribution of wealth and for the protection of health at work. Against inequality, mobilization and struggle."
SUPPORT STATEMENT FROM 800 NAMES
On the other hand, more than 800 names from the world of culture and art, including filmmakers Rodrigo Sorogoyen and Laura Hojman, actor and writer Carlos Bardem, writer Alana S. Portero, philosopher Paul B. Preciado and musician Nacho Vegas, signed the manifesto in support of the general strike.
The manifesto called for "stable housing on permanent contracts, rent caps in high-demand areas, and an end to mandatory evictions."
It was also noteworthy that the general strike in Spain took place before the early general election to be held in the country on November 29.
Due to the general strike, demonstrations with high participation were organized in big cities such as Madrid and Barcelona during the day.
Open Questions
- What was the economic impact of the strike?
- How will the government respond to strike demands?
- How will the pre-election strike affect voting?
