On Tuesday 13 October 2026, the General Secretary of CC.OO., Unai Sordo, stated that all regulatory measures currently in place regarding housing in Spain face an inherent limitation due to the absence of sufficient public housing infrastructure. Speaking at a joint press conference in Madrid with UGT leader Pepe Álvarez, Sordo emphasized that without a robust public stock of affordable homes, market prices remain unchecked and millions face unaffordable rents.
The remarks came as both major trade unions formally confirmed their support for a 24-hour general strike on 11 November 2026, calling for action over housing access and stagnant wages. The strike, coordinated with the Confederación de Sindicatos de Inquilinas (CSI), CGT, CNT, Acción Social de Solidaridad Obrera and Co.Bas, aims to pressure both public administrations and employers to act.
Strike Linked to Housing Crisis and Wage Demands
According to Sordo, housing and labour conditions are deeply interconnected. He argued that rising housing costs undermine any gains in collective bargaining, stating: "There is no collective agreement that can withstand the impact of housing prices on the cost of living." Pepe Álvarez echoed this, urging the business confederation CEOE to enter negotiations on a new national framework for wage increases.
The unions identify multiple targets for the strike: the central government, regional administrations (CCAA), and private employers. Sordo stressed that while housing competences lie largely with the CCAA, responsibility cannot be shifted entirely, saying: "No one can absolve themselves of this duty."
Maricarmen's Death Sparks National Outrage
The decision to call the strike followed widespread protests triggered by the death of Maricarmen, an 87-year-old woman who was evicted in Madrid. Her case became a symbol of the housing emergency, prompting both public outcry and political action, including the announcement of snap elections for 29 November.
"The day is called Maricarmen," said Pepe Álvarez. "Society trembled, and so did we."
Sordo and Álvarez described the strike as unprecedented, driven not solely by traditional labour grievances but by broader social justice demands. They acknowledged that the momentum came from grassroots tenant movements, which first proposed the 11 November date.
What This Means for Schools and Public Services
With the strike date approaching, uncertainty remains over minimum services in education. As of 13 October, no official guidance has been issued on whether schools, institutes or universities will remain open. The final determination will depend on negotiations between unions and the Ministry of Education in the coming weeks.
CC.OO. has proposed a 10-year plan to build 1.5 million affordable homes, funded by allocating up to 1% of GDP annually. The plan includes repurposing vacant properties and prioritising low-cost construction. The unions hope the strike will force a reversal of recently rejected housing legislation and prompt long-term structural change.
Reported by elconfidencial.com, elpais.com, EFE, infobae.com, thespanisheye.com, elmundo.es, ugt.es, eldiariodemadrid.es, diariosigloxxi.com, El Confidencial.
