Protesting labor reforms seen as pro-business, Spanish workers in Madrid went on strike and blocked traffic, closed factories, and clashed with police. The protest was a national strike across its major cities. The workers were protesting policies that made it easier to lay off employees and cut wages unilaterally. The workers were opposed to the austerity measures imposed by the prime minister to appease the European Union overseers who were uneasy watching Spain’s debt grow and its gross domestic product (GDP) shrink.
The most noticeable aspect of the strike was public transportation. Iberia, Spain’s main airline canceled 65 percent of its flights, and during rush hour only 30 percent of public transportation was operating. In Italy, its largest labor union, the Italian General Confederation of Labour threatened to strike over Italy’s labor reforms citing that they do not create new jobs. They were upset over the provision that would weaken the obligation for companies to rehire workers if a court rules they have been wrongfully laid off and other policies they felt favor business at the expense of workers. The labor minister said that the reform would help Italy’s stagnating economy by making it more attractive for corporate investors and boosting employment.
1. Labor unions are stronger in European countries than in the United States. Why do you think that is so? How might the different structures of government in the United States and European countries influence their operations?
2. What is your opinion regarding strikes by employees? Explain your position.