Millions of Spanish Workers Stage First General Strike in 14 Years
Walkout, protests, and violence
UGT and CCOO called the strike a success, while the tenants’ union estimated 4 million people had joined the stoppage and said it expected the total to grow to 5 million by the end of Wednesday.
CEOE, Spain’s main employers’ confederation, however, estimated that less than 5% of workers participated. In statements, CEOE said the action was a “failure,” and it argued that employers were being unfairly made to bear the cost of demands over housing policy. The association said the government’s support for the strike projects “a regrettable image abroad.”
Support for the strike was most concentrated in coastal areas, at ports, and in the automotive sector, according to UGT and CCOO. The unions reported a halt to production at Seat’s Martorell plant and majority support for the strike at Volkswagen’s factory in Navarre.
