Spain’s first general strike in 14 years disrupted transport and factory operations Wednesday as workers demanded action on housing costs less than three weeks before a national election, The Associated Press reported in a dispatch published by NPR.

The Nov. 11 walkout brought together unions and housing activists in a country where average rents have almost doubled over the past decade. Many schools and universities were reportedly closed or operating at reduced capacity.

Barcelona’s public transport network faced standstills or long delays during the morning rush hour. In Madrid, city buses were particularly affected, while teachers were already conducting a separate strike over working conditions. Marches were planned in both cities and elsewhere in Spain.

UGT and CCOO, the two main unions backing the strike, claimed widespread participation. They reported work stoppages of 90 per cent in the automotive and port sectors, 85 per cent in the meat industry, 82 per cent in waste collection and 75 per cent in energy. Those figures were union estimates.

Early incidents included roadblocks, some involving burning tires, in Barcelona and scuffles between picketers and police near a major wholesale market outside Madrid, according to AP.

The housing campaign gained momentum after the nationally televised eviction of an 87-year-old Madrid woman known as Maricarmen last month. Her subsequent death intensified public anger, and housing activists secured union support for a general strike.

Activists are seeking an end to tourist apartments, measures against real estate speculation and automatic lease renewals for renters. The unions want greater government intervention in housing and negotiations with the business owners’ association on a new minimum wage agreement.

The dispute has become a central election issue. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called the election on Oct. 5 after right-wing parties refused to ratify emergency measures intended to limit evictions and assist tenants. Those parties argued the measures would drive properties out of the rental market.

The government plans another attempt Thursday to secure ratification of two housing decrees through a reduced interim Parliament.

The conservative Popular Party and far-right Vox favour encouraging home construction rather than other government intervention in the housing market. Both accuse unions of trying to help Sánchez remain in office.

Oriol Bartomeus, a political science professor at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, told AP that a successful, peaceful strike could help Sánchez’s Socialists shift the election campaign back toward housing.

Sources