Strike one, Strike two, Strike three, we’re outta there

Grab your loudspeakers, whistles, and pink silly string because it’s time to join the masses and strike. This Wednesday, 29th of September 2010, Spain’s angry, frustrated, and tired workers will take to the streets and cause some grief.


Why is there a strike?

The Huelga General is a strike by the workforce in Spain. The idea is to express the anger and disappointment at the government for social cut backs, lack of support, and failure to initiate a solution to the massive economic crisis in Spain.

Spaniards, and guiris, have had enough of the government taking advantage of the recession and ‘policies’ to rectify one of the worst Spanish unemployment rates in history, almost 7 million.

What have, or haven’t, the government done?

• Failed to create jobs.

• Made it easier for employers to sack staff.

• Reinforced employer’s power to change working conditions, including pay and hours.

• Privatised the management of unemployment.

• Not given guiris free Spanish lessons.

• Taken away terrestrial TV’s rights to show Premiership matches (Officially they lost the rights to Canal plus, but that’s my main sore point)

What can you shout?

NO al despido más fácil y barato! No dismissal easier and cheaper!

NO a la temporalidad abusiva! No to the temporary abuse!

NO a dar más poder a los empresarios! No to giving more power to employers!

NO a la congelación de las pensiones! No to freezing pensions!

NO a los recortes salariales y sociales! No to salary and social cutbacks!

No al Premiership partidos con canal plus! No to Canal plus showing Premiership matches!

How can it affect you?

Officially, about 9% of the population are thought to participate, but there could be more on the day. Buses, metros, and trams may close as well as some shops, gyms, and kiosks. There might be aggressive demonstrators out there looking for trouble, so whatever you do, don’t dress up as President Zapatero and go round trying to shake everyone’s hand. Things could get messy.

Who’s going to strike?

I would, but if I do, then I don’t get paid. This might be why only 9% are going to strike; the situation is tight at the moment. What are your thoughts though? Are you going to join the masses and parade the streets showing your disappointment? Are you going to continue as normal?

This is a photo taken when Zapatero found out he hadn't made the Spanish international team last summer, let's hope he's this gutted tomorrow.