MADRID — Spain’s major trade unions have called a nationwide general strike for November 11, intensifying pressure over the country’s housing crisis, rising living costs and wages just weeks before a snap general election.
The two largest unions, the Workers’ General Union (UGT) and Workers’ Commissions (CCOO), agreed on the strike date on Wednesday. The action is expected to become the first general strike jointly backed by the two unions in 14 years, although the formal process involving other participating unions was still underway.
The planned strike comes amid nationwide protests over soaring rents, housing shortages and evictions. It also follows the death of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, whose eviction from her Madrid home last month became a focal point for the housing movement.
Housing Crisis Drives Protest
Housing has become one of the most prominent issues in Spain ahead of the November 29 general election.
Trade unions and tenants’ organisations say housing costs are consuming an increasingly large share of workers’ incomes, making wage increases less effective when rents and other living expenses continue to rise.
The Bank of Spain estimates that the country has a housing deficit of about 750,000 homes, a figure that could exceed one million by 2028. The average monthly rent stands at about €1,176, which the Youth Council of Spain estimates is equivalent to nearly 98.7 per cent of the average monthly salary of a young Spanish worker.
The unions are demanding better wages, decent housing and measures to protect purchasing power from inflation.
Abascal Case Fuels Anger
The strike announcement followed weeks of demonstrations triggered by the eviction of Abascal from the Madrid home where she had lived for more than 70 years.
The 87-year-old was removed from the property on September 23 and later admitted to hospital after suffering severe anxiety and exhaustion. She died on Wednesday, October 7. Her death prompted fresh demonstrations in Madrid and Barcelona, with protesters holding vigils and marching through the streets.
The Madrid Tenants’ Union described her case as a turning point in the country’s housing struggle.
Hundreds of protesters have also camped at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, demanding stronger measures to protect tenants and increase access to affordable housing.
Parliament Rejected Housing Measures
The planned strike also follows the rejection of government housing measures in Parliament last week.
The proposals included tighter restrictions on evictions and measures designed to limit pressure from rising rents. Their defeat added to political pressure surrounding the housing crisis and preceded Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s decision to bring forward the general election to November 29.
The government has since presented new housing decrees aimed at addressing some of the same concerns, although their prospects in Parliament remain part of the wider political debate.
Inflation Adds To Pressure
Spain’s inflation rate reached 4.9 per cent in September, its highest level since February 2023, according to AFP.
The government has responded with measures including gas price caps and fuel discounts intended to reduce the impact of higher costs on households. The unions, however, argue that workers need stronger wage growth and improved access to affordable housing.
The planned November 11 action will therefore combine demands over housing with broader concerns about wages and purchasing power.
Strike Comes Before Election
The timing places the industrial action less than three weeks before Spain’s November 29 general election.
The housing crisis has become a major campaign issue, with the government and opposition parties offering different explanations for the shortage of affordable homes and different approaches to addressing it.
The unions say their action is focused on workers’ living conditions rather than electoral campaigning.
If the strike proceeds as announced, it will represent the first joint general strike involving Spain’s two largest unions in 14 years and could bring the housing crisis, wages and the cost of living to the centre of national attention ahead of the election.
