Why Spain is witnessing 1st general strike in 14 years
What's the story
Workers across Spain have launched a general strike, the first in 14 years, to protest against the country's housing crisis. The 24-hour walkout started at midnight on Wednesday and has disrupted public transport while businesses, factories and shops have been forced to shut down or reduce operations. Minor incidents such as roadblocks with burning tires were reported in Barcelona and clashes between picketers and police near Madrid's main wholesale market.
Union action
Unions claim widespread participation in strategic sectors
The strike was called by the two biggest unions in Spain, UGT and CCOO.
They said there was widespread participation in strategic sectors such as automotive (90% participation), ports (90%), meat industry (85%), waste collection (82%) and energy sector (75%).
However, the CEOE organization representing business leaders said impact varied by region with "low participation" in most sectors.
Protest catalyst
Strike called after nationwide protests over housing access
The strike was called after nationwide protests over housing access intensified.
The protests were triggered by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her home in Madrid, who later died. This incident made her a symbol of public anger against high rents and unaffordable homeownership.
The average rent in Spain has almost doubled over the last 10 years.
Salary
Renting 50-square-meter flat costs 1,170 euros
The average gross monthly salary in Spain is around 2,460 euros, but renting a 50-square-meter flat in Madrid cost an average of 1,170 euros per month in October, according to property portal Idealista.
According to the Youth Council of Spain, this is over half of the average gross pay and 98.7 percent of the typical young person's income.
It is also way higher than the 30 percent share recommended by housing specialists and public entities.
Strike
120,000 demonstrators marched through central Madrid
On Wednesday, despite pouring rain, some 120,000 demonstrators marched through central Madrid carrying placards shaped like houses and chanting "We have no home" as they called for affordable housing.
"People work a lot and it isn't enough to pay the rent, to pay for a house," Paula Diaz, a 25-year-old theater technician who lives with her parents, told AFP.
"I hope a government that benefits us comes to power, especially the working class," she added, referring to November 29 election.
Election implications
Strike comes ahead of national election
Housing activists are demanding measures such as banning tourist apartments, a crackdown on real estate speculation, and protecting renters with automatic lease renewals.
Spain's socialist PM Pedro Sanchez has called a snap election for November 29 after his minority government failed to get parliamentary approval for proposed housing measures.
"This is not a strike against anyone, but rather one in favor of common response from all levels of government to a real problem, which is access to housing," he said.