Approximately four million workers in Spain, accounting for about 20% of the country’s labor force, participated in the first nationwide strike in fourteen years on Wednesday, November 11. This large-scale protest was organized in response to the escalating housing crisis affecting the nation. The strike, which was led by two major labor unions, remained largely peaceful during the day, but tensions flared as night fell in Barcelona and Madrid, leading to confrontations.
This demonstration marks Spain’s first national strike since the labor protests against austerity measures during the 2012 European debt crisis. The strike was initiated by the General Union of Workers (UGT) and the Workers’ Committees (CCOO), representing over one million workers collectively.
In images captured during the protests, many shops along Madrid’s main commercial thoroughfare, Gran Vía, preemptively closed their doors and boarded up windows due to fears of possible unrest. Cheers erupted from protesters as they celebrated the closure of stores like Primark, H&M, and Pull&Bear, while a significant presence of riot police stood watch.
Following the major daytime protest in the capital, clashes broke out in the heart of Barcelona, particularly around Gràcia Avenue. Some masked protesters set fire to furniture and trash bins and vandalized storefronts, prompting police to use tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowds. In Madrid, riot police deployed foam rounds along with tear gas and pepper spray near Plaza de España.
As of 9 PM local time, the police reported at least 1,044 incidents related to the strike across the nation, including blockades at office buildings and industrial parks, as well as the burning of trash bins. Authorities confirmed that at least 73 individuals were arrested during these actions. According to the unions, around 20 protesters suffered injuries during the confrontations, leading them to anticipate filing a lawsuit against police for “excessive force.”
The housing deficit in Spain is currently estimated to be around 750,000 units, with projections indicating that figure could rise to over one million by 2028.
As homeownership becomes increasingly difficult, the demand for rental properties has surged. Data from the Youth Council of Spain reveals that the average monthly rent has reached €1,176 (approximately $1,315), which amounts to 98.7% of the average monthly salary for young people in the country.
Jesus Gonzalez, a supporter of the strike and an IT worker in a hospital, expressed to Reuters his frustrations: “The continuous rise in rent and housing prices is simply unsustainable.”
Sandra Mora, a representative of the Madrid Tenants’ Union, stated in an interview with Radio Nacional de España (RNE) that many workers are also renters or mortgage payers. “They are the ones who truly have the power to halt production and bring the economy to a standstill,” she emphasized. The tenant union anticipated that by the end of the day, participation could reach as high as five million.
According to UGT and CCOO, participation rates in the ports and automotive sectors were as high as 90%. Significant production halts were reported at Volkswagen’s factory in Navarre and SEAT’s facility in Barcelona. Responses were particularly strong in coastal regions like Catalonia and Andalucía, as well as in the automotive, petrochemical, and meatpacking industries, though participation varied in other areas.
Miguel Cardoso, the chief economist at BBVA Research, commented on the potential impact of the strike. He noted that with the rise of remote work and the increasing share of the service industry, this strike might not have the same significant effects as in previous years. He forecasts a reduction of about 0.1% to 0.2% in Spain’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of the strike.
In a contrasting viewpoint, Angela de Miguel, vice president of the Spanish Confederation of Employers’ Organizations (CEOE), warned that the strike could be counterproductive. She argued that small businesses, which are also severely affected by the housing shortage, are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit employees. She stressed that the solution lies in constructing more housing and reducing taxes related to construction and home purchases during her appearance on Spanish national television (TVE).