Metal Workers Unite with the Housing Struggle and Put up Barricades in the Spanish State

Featured image: Blockade of the metal worker strike in Murcia, Spanish State. Source: Servir al Pueblo

The struggle for livable housing is increasingly connected with workplace action. A nationwide, 24-hour general strike has been called for November 11, called by Spain’s two largest union confederations. The action follows weeks of housing protests. Also calls to bring the November 11 strike into universities as well have followed.

Meanwhile, In Murcia, an indefinite metalworkers’ strike began on October 27 after talks over the sector’s collective agreement failed. Servir al Pueblo reported that the dispute affects around 35,000 workers and that participation exceeded 80 percent. From October 28 onward, pickets blocked roads and industrial access points, particularly around Cartagena; clashes with police followed, and two union delegates were detained. Following the arrests, hundreds of workers gathered outside the Cartagena courthouse until their colleagues were released.

As of today the strike is still ongoing, after employers’ association FREMM presented a new proposal, which was rejected by the unions.