Spain: National general strike March 8

Event

A national general strike is set to take place in Spain on International Women's Day, Thursday, March 8. Political parties Podemos and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE) have announced their support for the strike, organized by several Spanish labor unions. Podemos has thrown its support behind a 24-hour general strike and the PSOE has declared its support for two-hour strikes: from 11:30 to 13:30 (local time), 16:00 to 18:00, and during the first two hours of night shifts beginning on March 8.

Air traffic controllers will take part in the strike and as such flight disruptions are likely at airports across the country. Furthermore, a national public transit strike is set to take place between 07:00 and 09:00. Among the other sectors expected to be most affected are those with a high percentage of women employees, including education, healthcare, media, retail, and janitorial services, among others. Widespread commercial disruptions are expected and schools may be closed.  

Large-scale demonstrations with the potential to result in traffic disruptions are expected in cities, notably in Barcelona. Demonstrators are expected to gather in Barcelona's Plaza Catalunya beginning at 18:30 as well as at the intersection of Via Laietana and Avinguda de la Catedral (Plaça d'Antoni Maura) around 19:00.

Context

Millions of people around the world participate in celebrations of International Women's Day, a UN-recognized international event since 1975, to protest gender-based violence, the earnings gap between men and women, and sexual abuse, among other issues. Spain's general strike will be the first such strike to take place on International Women's Day in the country.

Advice

Individuals in Spain are advised to confirm travel reservations and be prepared for associated commercial and traffic disruptions.