Spanish workers strike a blow for Europe
More than 10 million workers took part in the general strike on May 29th, called by the Spanish union federations the CCOO and UGT, against recent labour reforms attacking workers’ rights. The strike was also in defence of the attacks on the country’s public services and living standards.
The CCOO and UGT reported that workers came out practically universally despite threats and attempts at blackmail by some employers seeking to discredit the strike. The pharmaceutical and metallurgical sectors, the shipping industry, cleaning and rubbish collection, transportation, post, construction, central markets and logistics distribution centres all ground to a virtual halt.
More than 75% of Spanish workers supported the strike call which saw more than 100 demonstrations across the country.
Oliver Roethig, Regional Secretary of UNI Europa, said, “Spanish workers have struck a blow for workers’ rights not only in Spain but across Europe. They have shown that they will not accept further reductions in labour and social rights, and are demanding the withdrawal of the government’s labour reform plan. Their message of defiance has been heard loud and clear across Europe.”
Ignacio Fernández Toxo, the General Secretary of CCOO, said, “This strike poses an opportunity for negotiation, without which there will be an increase in social conflict until the Government modifies its plans substantially.”
CCOO and UGT are planning more protests and actions in the coming weeks. The unions will be addressing the President, the political party groups in Parliament, as well as employers’ organizations in a bid to kick start dialogue directed towards establishing a broad consensus on how to increase economic activity and reduce unemployment.
Philip Jennings, General Secretary of UNI Global Union said, “March 29th will be remembered as a game changer. The CCOO and UGT should be congratulated on organising such a comprehensive and effective day of action and so should the workers who took part. United they have the collective power to stand up to the austerity measures which are at best totally misguided.”