Spanish Unions Holding General Strike Thursday

Posted March 29th, 2012 at 5:35 am (UTC-5)
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Spanish unions are holding a general strike a day before Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy announces a new austerity budget to meet strict guidelines set by Eurozone leaders.

Spain's Interior Ministry says at least 58 people have been arrested, largely for attempting to disrupt bus service early Thursday in Madrid.

The strike is impacting public services, with fewer buses in service, and limited train and air transportation because of the partial work stoppage.

A passenger flying from Buenos Aires to the city of Tel Aviv found himself without a connecting flight in Madrid because of the strike.

They told me that I had to stop here one day because the flights … they are on strike. So we are waiting in line to get out next boarding pass and we hope will flight tomorrow to Tel Aviv and we will get to our final destination ”

Thousands of demonstrators rallied Wednesday in Madrid. The unions argue the reforms proposed by the prime minister will make it cheaper to fire workers and more difficult to gain salary increases.

Rajoy says the labor reforms under consideration by the parliament are necessary to reduce high unemployment.

Reuters says eurozone finance ministers are expected to take a closer look at Spain's plans for dealing with its debt during their meeting Friday.

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