Protests in Spain Against Labor Reform

Spain

The major trade union confederations in Spain, UGT and CC.OO summoned yesterday more than 500,000 people in Madrid to protest against the labor reforms and austerity measures adopted by Mariano Rajoy’s Government.

According to organizers estimated 450,000 people marched in Barcelona, ​​while thousands more filled the streets in Malaga, Logrono and Santander, in the growing mobilization strategy of the unions.

“No labor reform. Unfair. Useless. Ineffective” and “No to the decline and social work”, were some of the slogans carried by the protesters with flags bearing the names of the unions.

After the demonstrations, people made a minute of silence in tribute to those killed in the attack on March 11, 2004. Afterwards the unions called on citizens to participate in the general strike called for this March 29 and warned the executive of the Popular Party (PP).

Last February 11, the Spanish Government of Mariano Rajoy approved the reform to ease the labor market, including low pay and compensation measures to stimulate youth employment. The measure was approved last Friday by Congress. The aim is to boost the creation of employment in a country with an unemployment rate of 22.85% record, that especially affects young people under 25 (48.6%).

(BG)