Spain's first general strike in 14 years demands solutions to housing crisis

On Wednesday, Spanish workers embarked on a general strike, marking the first such nationwide action in 14 years, in protest against Spain's housing affordability crisis. The demonstration occurred just weeks before a snap general election. This strike involved the joint efforts of Spain's two largest unions, UGT and CCOO, alongside other labor organizations and tenant associations. Their grievances centered around soaring rents and evictions.

The strike commenced at midnight and saw workers setting up picket lines despite adverse weather conditions. Alicia del Rio, spokesperson for the Madrid Tenants' Union, stated, "We won't stop until we transform this country's housing model from top to bottom so that houses are for living instead of being at the service of the rentier minority."

Spain faces a housing deficit of approximately 750,000 homes, a number projected to reach over a million by 2028, according to the central bank. The shortage has led to a surge in renting, with the average rental price of €1,176 (approximately US$1,315) constituting nearly 99% of a young person's monthly salary in Spain, as reported by the Youth Council of Spain.

Planned afternoon marches were disrupted by two storms, named Charles and Bruna, prompting weather alerts for 14 regions due to strong winds, rough seas, and heavy rains. Despite the inclement weather, early participation in the strike reached 90% in ports and the automotive sector, totaling stoppages in factories such as Volkswagen in Navarre and SEAT in Barcelona. Participation was notably lower in healthcare and social services (38%) and the postal service (35%).

Tensions escalated at the outset of the strike in Madrid's Mercamadrid wholesale market, where around 1,000 protesters gathered. CCOO's Madrid branch reported that police used pepper spray on pickets and arrested one individual, with 13 people requiring medical attention. A police spokesperson confirmed the arrest but denied using pepper spray, although they noted its use to disperse a separate picket line in the Carabanchel district.

This strike follows a series of demonstrations and encampments that began due to the eviction and subsequent death of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid. These protests, coupled with parliament's rejection of government decrees aimed at curbing evictions and limiting rent pressures, prompted Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to call for an election on November 29.

The government has largely blamed the right-wing opposition in many regions and municipalities for the rising rents and insufficient housing supply. However, union leaders and many protesters argue that the central government bears responsibility for the housing crisis and for Spain's second fatal train crash this year. Earlier in the week, train drivers went on strike demanding increased investment in maintenance and safety, causing widespread travel disruptions.