Mar 17 • 10:41 UTC 🇪🇸 Spain El Mundo

Traffic congestion, sabotage, and burning tires during the general strike in the Basque Country and Navarra

The general strike in the Basque Country and Navarra resulted in significant disruptions, including road blockades and incidents involving sabotage, as workers protested for a regional minimum wage.

In the Basque Country and Navarra, a general strike called by labor unions including ELA, LAB, Steilas, Hiru, and Etxalde has led to widespread disruptions, particularly on major roads and rail networks. Protesters organized by pickets have cut off key access routes and engaged in acts of sabotage, demanding a regional minimum wage that reflects the local economic situation. Authorities reported incidents of traffic interruptions early in the morning on major roads like the GI41, BI20, and N-634, as well as disruptions at the entrances to Bilbao caused by striking workers.

The regional police force, Ertzaintza, has initiated public disorder proceedings against an individual linked to a group that overturned trash containers in Larrabetzu, a town in Biscay, further illustrating the intensity of the protests. These confrontations underscore the tension between labor groups advocating for better wages and the government’s response to maintain public order. The strike’s impact not only affects local transportation but also reflects broader societal issues surrounding workers' rights and economic conditions in the region.

As the situation develops, the strike could influence future negotiations between labor unions and the government regarding wages and working conditions. The protests may also resonate beyond regional boundaries, potentially sparking similar actions in other parts of Spain as workers seek to address economic disparities and assert their rights in the face of rising living costs.

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