Spain general strike: unions say turnout beats forecasts

Spain’s general strike is drawing more support than union leaders expected: at the Plaza de Cibeles in Madrid, Spain, they call Wednesday’s walkout a success. Pepe Álvarez of the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT) and Unai Sordo of Comisiones Obreras (CCOO) make the claim on 11 November 2026, ahead of demonstrations planned for the afternoon.

The unions report particularly strong participation in Catalonia, Madrid and most Mediterranean areas. Sordo says the stoppage is also significant in industry and workplaces with a union presence, though participation varies by region. The unions give no separate account of Mallorca.

Housing, public services and decent pay are at the heart of the protest, Álvarez says. The unions warn that millions of people in Spain cannot afford rent or a mortgage, or move out of their parents’ homes, even with a job and an average wage. They say governments and public authorities must not ignore that problem.

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com