Millions of Spanish workers shut down businesses and public transportation on Wednesday in a nationwide protest over soaring rents and real estate prices, the country's first general strike in 14 years and the first whose main demand grew out of a housing revolt, NPR reported.
The walkout, held under the slogan "Salaries. Housing. Prices.," culminated in marches of tens of thousands in downtown Barcelona and Madrid and gatherings in other cities. Unions hailed it as a success. Business groups said it had fallen flat. Both sides agreed that participation was higher in heavy industry and transportation and weaker in retail and restaurants. Unai Sordo, secretary-general of the CCOO union, one of two major unions that called the strike for a nation of 22 million registered workers, said it "exceeded the labor unions' expectations" and "has been a success in terms of turnout." CCOO and UGT reported stoppages of 90% in automotive and port sectors, 85% in the meat industry, 82% in waste collection and 75% in energy. Many schools and universities closed. About 5% of Wednesday's flights were canceled, according to airport operator AENA.
Miguel Ángel García, a spokesperson for the conservative Popular Party government in the Madrid region, called the strike a "complete and authentic failure," saying just 9% of public-sector employees in the region took part. Police reported 29 arrests nationwide, including nine in Madrid. Tires were set on fire at roadblocks in Barcelona, and police used pepper spray in some places. In Barcelona, masked demonstrators interrupted a live morning show on a state broadcaster, holding up a sign in favor of the strike before the signal briefly went down.
An eviction, a rail disaster, and a Nov. 29 vote
Average rent in Spain has almost doubled in the last decade, NPR reported. Anger boiled over after the eviction last month of an 87-year-old Madrid woman who became known as Maricarmen, and whose subsequent death made her a symbol of people who cannot imagine owning a home. Housing activists used the uproar to call the strike and won union backing. They want a crackdown on real estate speculation and automatic lease renewals; unions also want more government intervention in the housing market and a new minimum wage agreement. "The uproar that started over 40 days ago with the eviction of Maricarmen hasn't stopped growing and has now flooded the streets of our cities," said Alicia del Río of the Tenants Union.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called an early election for Nov. 29, hoping to win four more years for his left-wing coalition. In late October, a high-speed train collision — Spain's second deadly rail disaster of the year — killed 69 people and has weighed on the campaign, NPR reported. Analyst Oriol Bartomeus said the strike offers the Socialists and other left parties a chance to put housing back at the center of the race.