Spanish general strike of 1988
Spain's 1988 general strike took place on December 14, and therefore in Spain it is simply called 14-D (shortened form of 14 Diciembre; Cf. N30). Triggered by a small reform in the labour market, namely a new more flexible contract for unexperienced youngsters with less redundancy pay, the strike was moreover a manifestation of general discontent with Spain's socialist government policies. The government's economic policies were thought to be too conservative by trade unions and many left-wing voters. The country was completely and peacefully paralyzed for 24 hours, prompting the government to negotiate with the unions. That flexible contract was retired and welfare state was increased. However, the strike did not prevent a third absolute majority by the socialist party, whose leader, Felipe Gonzalez, remained popular.
Consequences of the 14-D strike
Many economists believe the strike was to blame for a large increase in public spending, which led to an increase in the budget deficit. That expansive fiscal policy, coupled with a contractive monetary policy, led to an unhealthy economic policy which exploded in 1993, when the country experienced a serious -1% contraction of its GDP and unemployment surged until it reached 25% in 1995.
Other important general strikes in modern Spain
- 1984 strike: only called by CC.OO., one of the two main unions, against reforms in the pension system.
- 1993 strike: against labour market reforms.
- 2002 strike: against Spanish involvement in the second Gulf war.