Spain halts for first general strike in over a decade

Spain came to a standstill Wednesday as major labor unions launched their first general strike since 2010, paralyzing public transportation, airports, and key industries across the nation. The coordinated action by the country's two largest union federations targeted the government's handling of the housing crisis and cost-of-living pressures that have gripped Spanish society.

Services across Spain's rail network, metro systems, and bus fleets experienced significant disruptions as workers heeded union calls to walk off the job. The strike also affected ports, energy facilities, and manufacturing sectors, with participation levels varying by region and industry. Organizers reported strong turnout in major cities including Madrid and Barcelona.

The strike comes less than two weeks before Spain's November 29 general elections, with unions demanding concrete policy commitments on housing affordability and wage protections. Worker representatives have called for increased investment in public housing and stronger regulations on rental prices, issues that have become central to political debate as inflation and housing costs continue straining household finances.

The action represents a significant show of labor solidarity after more than a decade without a nationwide strike, signaling the depth of worker discontent with economic conditions. Union leaders indicated the strike would continue throughout the day, with negotiations ongoing between labor organizations and government officials.