What to expect from Spain’s general strike on November 11th

Spain’s general strike is just two days away and is scheduled for this Wednesday November 11th. Here’s what you can expect. 

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s surprise snap election announcement came days after right-wing parties voted down two key decrees in parliament which included measures such a moratorium on evictions, a ban on vulture funds, automatic rental contract extensions and restrictions on temporary and room rentals.

Protestors took to the streets across Spain, but it wasn’t a snap election that they were calling for, rather a general strike that could bring the country to a standstill.

READ MORE: Housing protests flare in Spain after relief measures rejected

From Bilbao to Badajoz and Oviedo to Ourense, one of the recurring slogans was “¡Huelga general ya!” (General strike now!).

Organisers from the Tenants’ Union (Sindicato de Inquilinas) declared these demonstrations as the launch pad for an upcoming “general strike against rent-seeking and in defence of the right to housing”.

When is the strike?

The 24-hour walkout will take place this Wednesday 11th November — just two days before the official start of the election campaign. 

This is reportedly because, as the electoral process formally begins on November 13th, union bosses don’t want to risk a political party challenging the strike notice before the electoral authorities. 

Are general strikes common in Spain?

No, the last general strike in Spain was in 2012 when a 24-hour stoppage was called against the austerity policies of the PP government of Mariano Rajoy. 

What are they striking over?

According to the joint CCOO and UGT press release, unions are striking “to demand decent wages to enable access to decent housing”.

“Last weekend’s demonstrations have shown the strength of this demand, and the response must be built jointly by all the organisations supporting it,” the trade union confederations added, emphasising the significance of the fact that thousands of demonstrators had called for the strike.

Union bosses have described the eviction of Maricarmen as the “spark” for action that connects housing with wages and labour rights.

What will be affected?

Public transportation, hospitals, shops, restaurants and pharmacies could also be affected by the general strike and may be closed or working at reduced capacity. 

Transport services are expected to be maintained to ensure essential mobility, although not at the usual frequency.  

School activities will not be automatically interrupted, as this will depend on participation from teachers and the minimum services established by regional governments. It’s worth keeping in mind though that November 11th also coincides with separate educational demonstrations in Andalusia and partial teacher strikes in Madrid.

Will there be guaranteed minimum services for some sectors? 

Yes. The government has approved the minimum services for Renfe rail services. At least 75 percent of commuter trains will run during peak hours and 73 percent of high-speed and long-distance routes will be maintained.

Minimum healthcare services must guarantee essential care, especially for emergencies, although scheduled appointments, tests, and procedures may be subject to changes or delays depending on where you live. This day also coincides with separate medical stoppages in Catalonia and Valencia. 

The Interior Ministry has established a minimum of 80 percent of security personnel at petrochemical facilities, refineries, fuel depots, nuclear power plants, weapons and explosives factories, and in the supply of water, gas, and electricity.

The same percentage applies to the transport and custody of money and valuables, banks and credit institutions, alarm centres, and media centres. This rises to 90 percent in the security services of ports, airports, railways, and telecommunications centres. 

Can everyone take part in the strike?

No, in Spain there are several groups that are excluded by law from taking part in general strikes.

These include members of the military, state security forces and law enforcement, serving judges, magistrates and prosecutors, self-employed workers, as well as several essential service sectors including healthcare, social care, transport, security, and telecommunications.

The government sets minimum service levels for sectors, and employers inform those included in these that they may not miss work on strike days.

Will my pay be affected if I strike? 

Yes. Those who participate in the strike will have their salary reduced proportionally to the time not worked. Your company cannot apply any penalty beyond that resulting from the suspension of the contract during those hours.

Participating in the strike does not entitle employees to unemployment benefits during that period. Those who already had medical leave before the strike will maintain their temporary disability status without having their unemployment benefits reduced.

Is it legal?

Some might argue it is. 

Article 11 of Spain’s royal decree 17/1977, which outlines labour relations rules, states that a strike is unlawful:

• Where it is initiated or maintained for political reasons or for any other purpose unrelated to the professional interests of the workers concerned.
• Where it is a strike of solidarity or support, unless it directly affects the professional interests of those who organise or maintain it.

Spain’s major employers’ organisation CEOE has also hinted at a possible legal challenge to the strike: “The demands that have led to this announcement are not, in essence, of a labour-related nature,” they stated. 

The employers’ organisation also criticised the unions and housing movement for seeking to influence the election.

“It is difficult to justify using the activities of companies and their workers as a means to influence the outcome of a process that should be approached with calm and in accordance with democratic norms,” the employers argue. 

READ ALSO: Why has Spain’s PM called a snap election?