Spain sees its first general strike in 14 years over housing crisis

Millions of workers across Spain began a 24-hour general strike at midnight on Wednesday, the first such walkout in the country in 14 years. The action, called by the UGT and CCOO unions, halted public transport and forced many businesses, factories and shops to reduce operations or close, affecting the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy.

Union statements said participation was high in strategic sectors, with around 90 percent of workers in the automotive and port industries stopping work. The business federation CEOE reported that the impact varied by region and described overall participation as low in most sectors.

The strike follows a series of protests sparked by the eviction and subsequent death of an 87-year-old pensioner in September, which led to a five-week occupation of Madrid’s Puerta del Sol square and similar actions in other cities. Housing costs have risen sharply, with average rent in Spain nearly doubling over the past decade and consuming about half of the average gross monthly salary.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, whose minority government called a snap election for November 29 after failing to pass a housing-policy package, said the strike was not aimed at any individual but called for a coordinated response to the housing problem.

Business groups criticized the strike as election-related, while the opposition Popular Party and far-right Vox also condemned it. Popular Party leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo warned that unions could be permanently linked to Sánchez’s government if they proceeded with the action.