Europe Panics As Spain Goes To Strike against the Austerity Drive

Spain's 24-hour general strike threatens to rock the country by bringing essential services to a halt

. The nation faces its first general strike in almost eight years. The demonstrators aim to march through the city of Brussels in their disapproval against spending cuts by European governments.

Unions throughout the nation are up in arms against various austerity tools implemented by the government. The Spanish government hopes to control budget deficits by such measures. However, in a statement issued by the European Trade Union Confederation, it is implied that a number of various other European countries are planning protests.

The Spanish unions are protesting against the Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez, for implementing deep budget reductions in nearly three decades and weakening job security of employers to bring down the highest unemployment rate in Europe. The socialist Prime Minister of Spain was forced to bring about these changes to slender down the budget deficit to meet the demands of other European nations and investors.

Even other nations in the continent are opting for austerity measures to restrain budget deficits. Leaders of countries have implemented stimulus programs to pull their economies out of the worst recession in decades. In another related development, French unions are planning to protest against the Government's agenda of increasing the retirement age of employees.

People face the brunt of strike

Several aspects of daily Spanish life are expected to be impacted as a result of the strike. Madrid's local government's television channel was shut down because of the strike. Central Madrid's newspaper kiosks were closed in the morning, as well as more than 20 flights are expected to be cancelled at the Frankfurt Airport.

Public Transport Disrupted

Just about a quarter of local train services will operate in the strike, which is in accordance with the minimum service agreement. Regional authorities of Madrid claimed that around 75 percent of underground trains will be operational, while the unions put the number at 20 percent. Even the bus and truck movement will be affected.

Strike troubles the Holidaymakers

As the airport staff members joins the general strike, families and individuals travelling to and from Spain will face delays and possible flight cancellations. According to regulations, it is obligatory that at least one out of five European flights operate. Even then only about 200 of scheduled 700 flights are likely to take off. The Cardiff Airport at UK has announced the cancellation of several flights from London to Spain.

Flights operated by bmibaby between Malaga and Alicante have been cancelled, while flights due to Antalya and Fuerteventura have been delayed. A number of airlines, such as the British Airways, has warned travellers of impending turmoil and advised them to check respective websites for more information.

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Europe Panics As Spain Goes To Strike against the Austerity Drive

By: Rajesh Gupta

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