Spain general strike on 11 November targets housing costs
Spain faces a general strike over housing costs on 11 November: unions register the call in Madrid on Monday, 19 October, and urge workers and the wider public to join. CCOO, UGT, CGT and CNT are among the groups that filed the notice with Spain’s Ministry of Labour and Social Economy.
The unions say rent and other housing costs take too much of workers’ pay. They want action on property speculation and evictions, alongside higher wages. UGT also calls for controls on rents and more protected housing.
An eviction sparks wider demands
The campaign grew after the eviction of Maricarmen Abascal in the city of Madrid. She died two weeks later. Protesters then camped in squares in several Spanish cities, particularly Madrid’s Puerta del Sol.
The government passed two housing decrees after the eviction, but PP, Vox and Junts voted them down in Congress. It has since passed revised versions, which still need approval from the congressional body that oversees parliament during election periods.
Organisers look beyond 11 November
The Confederation of Tenants’ Unions has launched Toka, a website at huelgaporlavivienda.org where people can find and sign up for meetings, assemblies, information pickets and working groups in different areas.
Organisers want the strike to cover pensions and public services as well as housing and pay. They also say the protests should continue after 11 November.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com