Spanish workers hold general strike over labour reforms

[UrbScotty]

Source: BBC

Spanish unions are holding a general strike to protest against labour reforms which the new government hopes will help cut unemployment.

Road, rail and air transport are all due to be affected, with domestic and European flights cut to a fraction of their usual volume.

Mariano Rajoy's conservative government is to unveil measures on Friday to save tens of billions of euros.

The strike is the government's first big challenge since taking office.

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-17545174

[dipsydoodle]

1. Spanish strike tests tolerance for austerity

(Reuters) - Spanish unions said a high turnout for a general strike to protest government budget cuts and reforms on Thursday had almost brought heavy industry to a halt while the government said the day was proceeding normally.

Spaniards have been tolerant of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's efforts to meet strict European deficit goals but he has promised an austere 2012 budget on Friday and the strike shows that patience may be wearing thin.

The two main unions, Comisiones Obreras and UGT, said the action had "practically paralysed" factories during the night shift while 85 percent of workers in the food sector were also taking part.

Data from national grid operator REE showed demand for power was about 20 percent below expected at 0740 GMT.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/03/29/uk-spain-strike-idUKBRE82S07920120329

[dipsydoodle]

2. Live blog here : Eurozone crisis live: Spanish general strike kicks off

http://www.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/mar/29/eurozone-crisis-spanish-general-strike

[BelgianMadCow]

4. you don't happen to be on that blog, would you? :-)

'cause I am. Pretty interesting reading if you want to stay abreast, and contributions from many countries to. And good for a laugh.
Their coverage of the strike is at least balanced.

The government uses the reduction in electricity consumption as a measure for strike effectiveness. Says a poster: the lights in villages (with PP mayors) have been burning since noon...

[dipsydoodle]

6. Nope

Been out and only just arrived home. They've all gone sleepy byes now.

[BelgianMadCow]

3. 170.000 in Madrid, 275.000 in Barcelona, 800.000 in total

http://politica.elpais.com/politica/2012/03/28/actualidad/1332958776_265683.html

Well done Spain!

our news, of course, either has nothing or a picture of cardboard boxes burning. Lest we get ideas, I guess.

Main reason for the strike is the fact that the government undertakes labour market reform without consulting the unions.

[dipsydoodle]

7. Great pic that

[Snake Alchemist]

5. Germany needs to step up and bail them out. nt

[Citizen Worker]

8. I stand in solidarity with our Spanish Brothers and Sisters.