Main unions estimate strike participation at 84%

Two of the biggest trade unions across Spain, CCOO and UGT, have estimated participation in the general strike at an average of 84%.

Belén López, General Secretary of CCOO in Catalonia, stated that "Catalonia has brought all sectors - production, commerce, industry, transport, and education - to a standstill."

Camil Ros, General Secretary of UGT, noted that road traffic "was minimal" and that the center of Barcelona is "empty." He underlined that the day has been "successful."

Both union representatives urged political parties and employers' associations to "listen" to the public. "They must make a very clear commitment, acknowledging that people want to live with dignity and earn a decent wage," the UGT representative emphasized.

López called on employers' associations to "sit down and negotiate wage increases that address the needs of workers," and urged political forces to "legislate and intervene in the housing market to guarantee the right to housing."

"The message is crystal clear, now it is up to them to take action," she highlighted.

The UGT General Secretary emphasized that they have "won," despite "all the attacks from the right and the far-right," who, she says, have only "insulted" the people who have responded "responded in a massive, democratic way."

Furthermore, Ros noted that the general strike in Catalonia "is the one that has seen the highest level of participation in all of Spain."