24-hour general strike planned in Spain
31 October 2026
Spain is preparing for a nationwide, 24-hour general strike on Wednesday 11 November 2026. It is the first joint general strike by the major trade unions in 14 years.
The strike is largely driven by the housing crisis. The demands include stricter rent caps, a ban on evictions of vulnerable people, and a massive expansion of social housing.
As well as the issue of housing, the trade unions are calling for pay rises of between 4 per cent and 7 per cent, as well as a reduction in working hours, to counteract the rising cost of living.
The strike is taking place at a highly sensitive political juncture – exactly 17 days before the snap general election in Spain on 29 November. Employers’ organisations are therefore criticising the strike as politically motivated.
The strike was officially registered with the Spanish Ministry of Labour on 19 October 2026. It is backed by a broad alliance:
• Spain’s two largest trade union confederations: CCOO (Comisiones Obreras) and UGT (Unión General de Trabajadores).
• Numerous smaller and regional trade unions (such as the CGT, Solidaridad Obrera and ELA).
• The Spanish tenants’ unions (Sindicatos de Inquilinas).
What restrictions can be expected?
As this is a general strike, in principle it could affect all aspects of public life. In Spain, however, such strikes are governed by the law on so-called minimum services (Servicios Mínimos). This means that the state stipulates what percentage of normal operations must be maintained (e.g. in hospitals or by the fire service).
Airports & air traffic: Airports will not be closed completely. However, the involvement of ground staff, baggage handling staff and air traffic control may lead to significant delays, long queues and flight cancellations. Some airlines may cancel or reschedule flights.
Trains and local transport: Train services (Renfe, underground and buses) will be affected. (An additional complication: the train drivers’ union, SEMAF, has announced its own strikes for 10 and 12 November, separate from this, meaning that rail services could be disrupted for several days around the time of the general strike).
Schools and nurseries: A high level of strike participation is also expected in the education sector, which will lead to lessons being cancelled.
Supermarkets & retail: Smaller shops and supermarkets may remain closed or have irregular opening hours.
Cruises & Tourism: Some cruise lines are already taking action. For example, TUI Cruises has altered the itinerary of the Mein Schiff 7 and will be avoiding Spanish ports entirely on 11 November in order to avoid operational problems.What should travellers do?
If you are travelling to or within Spain on that day, you should check with your airline or the rail operator (Renfe) in advance. Experience shows that the schedules for guaranteed minimum services and flight cancellations are usually finalised a few days before 11 November.