Millions of workers across Spain stopped work on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, as a 24-hour general strike began at midnight. It is the first nationwide general strike in Spain in 14 years, the last having taken place in 2012.
Public transport was disrupted, while businesses, factories and shops scaled back their operations or closed for the day.
The strike was called by Spain’s two main unions, UGT and CCOO, over the housing crisis and the high cost of living. It comes ahead of a snap parliamentary election on 29 November.
The action followed nationwide housing protests sparked by the September eviction of 87-year-old Madrid pensioner Maricarmen Abascal, who died days later. Average rent in Spain has almost doubled in 10 years. A 50 sq m flat in Madrid averaged 1,170 euros a month in rent in October, according to Idealista, compared with an average gross monthly salary of about 2,460 euros.
The unions reported 90% participation in the automotive and port sectors, while the employers’ group CEOE said participation was low in most sectors. Roadblocks with burning tyres were reported in Barcelona, and there were scuffles near Madrid’s main wholesale market.
Source: Al Jazeera
