Spanish unions add pension and sick-leave protections to housing-crisis strike demands

CCOO and UGT are coordinating a nationwide general strike that will spotlight the housing crisis intensified by recent evictions, while simultaneously demanding the defence of Spain's public pension system and existing sick-leave protections. Union heads Unai Sordo and Pepe Álvarez criticised recent rhetoric from the PP and Vox, which they say hints at future reductions in pension benefits and reforms that would shift sick-leave authority to employer-run mutual societies.

They called for clear policy positions from political parties ahead of upcoming elections. The unions are finalising the official strike filing with the labour authority and anticipate backing from a range of smaller unions and regional federations. Although employer groups have hinted at legal challenges, the unions remain confident about the strike's legality based on past mixed-purpose actions. Their platform also includes demands for rent-control legislation, construction of affordable housing, and a stable public housing stock.