Spanish trade unions have announced a general strike aimed at defending the right to housing and decent wages that allow for its payment. The exact date of the strike will be determined after consultations with social organizations and the Tenants' Union.
The joint statement by the unions confirms the intention declared last Friday, after Congress rejected two resolutions concerning housing issues. These agreements must now be approved by the top leadership bodies of the two central unions.
UGT and CCOO previously announced the convening of their governing bodies to determine how to involve the working world in mobilization through joint union actions and coordination with social movements, activists, and tenants.
According to the unions, the demonstrations held over the past weekend demonstrated the strength of this demand, and the response to it 'must be built by all supporting organizations.'
The general strike is directed at various government administrations responsible for the housing sector, as well as patronage organizations, which, according to UGT and CCOO, 'should recognize that wages must ensure access to such a vital thing as housing.'
Union proposals were integrated into the draft Sixth Agreement on Employment and Collective Bargaining (AENC), which included provisions for wage review with an increase from 4% to 7%, as well as measures to facilitate access to housing, and into the Unified Union Proposal promoted by the two central unions.
The statement explains that this proposal includes a ten-point plan for the right to housing, which requires a social and political pact, the creation of a permanent state housing fund, rent control, and effective implementation of the Right to Housing Law nationwide.
CCOO and UGT call on workers to join the campaign both in workplaces and on the streets, as well as the general strike, insisting that they will continue mobilization and collective bargaining 'until housing ceases to be a privilege and wages allow for a dignified life.'
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez today called early elections for November 29, concluding a legislative period marked by court cases, tension between the executive branch and judges, and a legislative deadlock in parliament.
Sánchez decided to postpone the national elections after the Spanish Parliament rejected two Government resolutions on housing matters last Friday, and following more than a week of daily protests with thousands of people in the streets over evictions and difficulties in obtaining housing. The current legislative term was due to end in July 2027.