Mass demonstrations across Spain oppose labor ‘reforms’

More than a hundred thousand demonstrators protested across Spain Sunday at labour reforms introduced by the country’s conservative government ahead of a general strike called for March 29.

Two of Spain’s biggest unions, the UGT and CCOO, called for rallies ahead of the strike to increase pressure on the government to scrap cuts to unemployment payments and moves for a more flexible workforce.

Unions said rallies took place in 60 cities and towns across Spain, including Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia and Seville.

They said up to 500,000 demonstrators turned out in Madrid alone, with another 450,000 in Barcelona.

Police put the turnout at 30,000 in Madrid; 17,000 in Barcelona; 15,000 in Seville; 15,000 in Malaga; 9,000 in Grenada; and 5,000 each in Valencia, Cordoba, Almeria and Cadiz.

Mass demonstrations across Spain oppose labor ‘reforms’ By Agence France-Presse

The government hopes the reforms will boost job creation and revive the economy. Spain’s unemployment rate is the highest in the developed world at nearly 23 percent, with the rate at almost 49 percent for people aged under 25.... Spain has seen only five general strikes since the country returned to democracy following the death of dictator Francisco Franco in 1975.