Video: @sindicatlloguer, @enscostalavida / IG

Strike Preparations Underway Across Catalonia

A general strike set for Wednesday 11th November 2026 is gathering force across Catalonia, with around 60 active strike committees now in place to coordinate action over housing costs and workers’ rights. The campaign, unified under the platform Viure Ens Costa la Vida, was announced at a press conference on Monday 19th October at the historic building of the University of Barcelona (UB). The central demonstration in Barcelona will begin at 5:30 PM at Jardinets de Gràcia, at the intersection of Avinguda Diagonal and Passeig de Gràcia, according to reports from NacióDigital and Catalan News.

Strike House Opens at University of Barcelona

The historic UB building has been transformed into the 'Casa de la Vaga' (Strike House), serving as a coordination hub for the strike. The occupation began at 6:00 PM on Monday 19th October, led by the Tenants’ Union of Catalonia (Sindicat de Llogateres) and student organisations. The space will host strike committee meetings, assemblies, logistical planning, talks, and artistic performances. The group Alosa is scheduled to perform during the opening phase. The Strike House is open to all residents, workers, and students who wish to participate in preparations or learn about their rights.

The strike doesn't start on November 11; it starts today, and it has already started,

, Enric Aragonès i Jové, spokesperson for the Tenants’ Union of Catalonia.

Digital Tool Launched to Expand Participation

Enric Aragonès introduced Toka, a new digital platform available via the 'Participate' section of the Vaga per l'Habitatge website, which helps users locate nearby strike committees, view upcoming activities, and sign up to volunteer. The tool aims to broaden participation beyond traditional union members and support the creation of new committees in neighbourhoods, towns, and workplaces.

Union and Tenant Organisations Mobilise

Montse Sánchez, spokesperson for the Catalan Union Table, confirmed that hundreds of company committees and union sections are actively preparing for the strike. She stressed that the action targets workers who, despite employment, face declining purchasing power and are forced into overtime to cover basic living costs. Sánchez emphasized the need to link the fight for housing justice with demands for better wages and working conditions.

Key Demands of the Strike

  • Legally mandated reduction in rental prices
  • Structural measures against housing speculation and property hoarding
  • Reduction in working hours
  • Increase in the minimum interprofessional wage

Organisers argue that rising housing and living costs are eroding wages, while profits from large property owners and corporate sectors continue to restrict access to basic needs. The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) has officially registered the 24-hour strike with authorities, formalising the industrial action.

What This Means for Residents

Barcelona residents should anticipate potential transport, service, and workplace disruptions on 11th November. Those wishing to participate or seek support can visit the Strike House at the University of Barcelona or access resources via the Vaga per l'Habitatge platform.

Primary sources: barcelona.cat. Reported by llibertat.cat, Barna.News, Catalan News, liniaxarxa.cat, internationalviewpoint.org, en.ara.cat, democrata.es.