Spain's first general strike in 14 years brings clashes

Detailed summary

Millions of workers in Spain are striking to demand action on the nation's housing crisis, as public anger reaches boiling point and an election looms.

Millions of Spain's workers are striking to demand the government fix the nation's housing crisis, less than three weeks before a national election that could catapult the far right to power.

The general strike on Wednesday — Spain's first in 14 years — is causing major delays in the public transport system and slowing down factories across the eurozone's fourth-largest economy.

Many schools and universities reportedly closed or are working at minimal capacity.

In the capital, Madrid, this adds to an ongoing strike started by teachers nearly a month ago to demand better working conditions.

In Barcelona, the country's second-largest city, public transport was at a standstill or facing long delays in the morning rush hour.

Unions have called for Madrid workers to gather and march through the city centre later on Wednesday.

Marches and gatherings are also planned in Barcelona and other cities.

The two main unions calling for the strike, UGT and CCOO, said in a statement there was widespread participation "with significant work stoppages in strategic sectors".

The unions claimed 90 per cent involvement in the automotive and port sectors, 85 per cent in the meat industry, 82 per cent in waste collection and 75 per cent in the energy sector.

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