Spanish unions call general strike for Nov 11 over housing crisis

Spain's two largest unions, UGT and CCOO, have called a 24-hour general strike for November 11 to demand affordable housing and wage increases of 4% to 7%. The strike marks the first joint general strike since 2012 and comes just 18 days before snap general elections scheduled for November 29.

The decision follows massive street protests led by the Tenants' Union after the eviction of an 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal Martín, became a flashpoint. Parliament rejected two government housing decrees aimed at limiting speculation and protecting vulnerable tenants, with votes from the PP, Vox, and Junts parties.

“Habitually, general strikes are called against governments. In this case, it is called against the opposition.”

Unions link the housing crisis to insufficient wages, demanding a new collective bargaining agreement (AENC) expired since December 2023. They also present a ten-point housing plan including public housing stock, rent controls, and full enforcement of the Housing Rights Law across all regions.

Deputy Prime Minister María Jesús Montero framed the strike as "against the opposition" rather than the government, arguing it responds to the parliamentary blockade of housing measures. The government plans to re-approve similar decrees via the Permanent Deputation.

Major unions CSIF, USO, and Fetico have refused to join, citing political connotations so close to elections. However, Basque unions ELA and LAB and Galician union CIG have pledged support. The strike date was agreed with the Tenants' Union and social organizations.