Millions of workers launched a nationwide strike over housing costs across Spain
Millions of workers across Spain joined a 24-hour general strike on Wednesday, the country’s first in 14 years, demanding government action on a housing crisis. The walkout, which began at midnight, disrupted public transport and forced businesses, factories and shops to reduce operations or close, weeks before an election that could bring the far right to power.
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Al Jazeera reported that housing activists called the strike after the September eviction of Maricarmen Abascal, an 87-year-old Madrid resident who died days later. CCOO and UGT, Spain’s two largest unions, led the action, Deutsche Welle reported.
Average rent has nearly doubled over the past decade, according to the Associated Press and Al Jazeera.
Unai Sordo, CCOO’s secretary general, told Cadena Ser radio that access to housing was dividing the country. Deutsche Welle reported that strikers at Madrid’s Mercamadrid market said police used pepper spray; at least 13 people sought medical attention.
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Reporting behind this story
- Deutsche Welle — Spain: Housing crisis prompts general strike
- The Guardian — Millions join Spain’s first general strike in 14 years in protest at rising housing costs
- Al Jazeera — Spain’s first general strike in 14 years begins | News
- Al Jazeera — ‘It’s just too expensive’: Housing and wages at the heart of Spain’s strike | News
- Anadolu Agency — Tensions rise as Spain holds 1st general strike in 14 years over housing costs
- ctpost.com — Spain's first general strike in 14 years brings clashing social and political desires to the fore
- wric.com — Spain’s first general strike in 14 years brings clashing social and political desires to the fore