Nationwide strike grips Spain over housing costs ahead of election

Unions declared the strike a success, while business groups dismissed it as ineffective. Participation was notably high in industries like automotive, ports, meat processing, waste collection, and energy, while retail and restaurants saw less involvement.

In Barcelona, storefronts were boarded up in anticipation of potential unrest. Public transportation, including the metro and buses, ceased operations, and street traffic was significantly reduced. Despite the widespread disruption, some smaller businesses, like coffee shops, remained open.

“Radical measures, such as a general strike,” are sometimes necessary to effect change, according to Carlos Ferrer, a customer service worker attempting to return to Alicante from Barcelona. He added, “Authorities need to feel pressure from the citizens so they can do something.”

Marches are planned for Barcelona and Madrid, with additional protests scheduled in over 50 cities and towns. In Madrid, strikers blocked Gran Via, the city’s main thoroughfare, before being dispersed by police in riot gear.

“In Spain, we have a serious problem, which is that when we don’t like something, we never go out to protest,” said Manuel Gómez, a student in Madrid, welcoming the demonstrations.

Approximately 5% of flights were canceled nationwide, according to AENA, the country’s airport operator. Unai Sordo, secretary general of CCOO, stated, “The strike has exceeded the labor unions’ expectations.”

Significant work stoppages were reported, with 90% in the automotive and port sectors, 85% in the meat industry, 82% in waste collection, and 75% in the energy sector.

Schools and universities were largely closed. The Union of Professionals and Self-Employed Workers reported that 40% of its members participated in the strike.

Miguel Angel Garcia, a spokesperson for the Madrid regional government, deemed the strike a “complete and authentic failure,” citing only 9% participation from public sector employees.

Minor incidents, including tire fires in Barcelona and scuffles with police near a Madrid market, were reported. Demonstrators briefly disrupted a live television broadcast in Barcelona.

The strike was fueled by anger over rising housing costs, which have nearly doubled in the last decade. The recent eviction and subsequent death of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen, became a symbol of the housing crisis.

Activists are advocating for measures such as eliminating tourist apartments, curbing real estate speculation, and automatic lease renewals. Unions are also seeking a new minimum wage agreement.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for an early election, set for November 29, hoping to capitalize on the housing protests. However, a recent train collision that killed 69 people has complicated his campaign.

Political analyst Oriol Bartomeus believes the Socialists need a successful, peaceful strike to shift the election focus back to housing. Conversely, a violent or poorly attended strike could benefit the conservative Popular Party and Vox.

Sanchez recently posted a video on X highlighting past social policy achievements, emphasizing the importance of the workers’ movement.