29 Jan 2020 | 07:24 AM UTC
Spain: General strike planned in Basque Country January 30
Unions plan general strike in Basque Country on January 30; government demands minimum services during the strike
Event
Multiple labor unions are planning a general strike in Basque Country on Thursday, January 30. Organizers are calling for workers to mobilize throughout the region, with main events being held in the following cities (all times local):
- Bilbao – Groups will begin marching at 11:45 from Alameda Recalde, Deusto, and Sacred Heart to Moyúa (Elliptical Square) before ending at the Town Hall. Another demonstration will be held at Elliptical Square from 18:00
- Donostia – Separate groups will march from Gros, Amara, and Antiguo at 11:45 to the Good Shepherd before ending on the Boulevard. A rally will also be held on the Boulevard starting at 18:30
- Gasteiz – A demonstration will be held at Bilbao square starting at 12:00 and another will begin at 18:00 at the White Virgin
- Iruña – Columns of marchers will depart from Sanduzelai, Berriozar, Txantrea, Arrotxapea, Atarrabia, UPNA, and Barañain at 11:00 and meet at the Plaza del Castillo at 12:00. Another rally will be held at the Old Bus station starting at 17:00
Similar marches are rallies are expected to be held across the region. A heightened security presence and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all marches and demonstrations.
The Basque government has decreed that minimum service must be provided during the strike. At least 30 percent of public transportation services are required to operate on Thursday. Hospitals and primary care centers will operate as they would during a holiday. Union leaders condemned the decision, claiming that the minimum required service is excessive and prevents workers from being able to exercise their right to strike.
Context
The strike is being held to highlight numerous issues, including defending workers’ pensions, improving working and living conditions, and increasing job opportunities, among other concerns.
Advice
Individuals in Basque Country are advised to keep abreast of the situation, anticipate business and transportation disruptions, and to avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution.
