Overview
- The country’s two largest unions, UGT and CCOO, led a 24‑hour general strike that took place on Wednesday, November 11, causing major slowdowns to public transport, flight warnings, factory stoppages and local clashes.
- Union leaders reported very high participation in strategic sectors such as ports and automotive plants while employers’ groups said turnout was uneven and lower in some industries.
- The strike was driven by public anger over rapidly rising rents, a shortfall of roughly 750,000 homes reported by the Bank of Spain, and the televised eviction and later death of 87‑year‑old Maricarmen Abascal that became a rallying symbol for protesters.
- Police made multiple arrests and unions said picket lines met force in places such as Madrid’s wholesale market, while unions also warned of broader economic disruption including reduced electricity demand and halted production at key factories.
- The walkout has refocused the national debate on housing days before the snap election and the government plans further parliamentary moves to try to revive emergency housing measures that were previously rejected.