MADRID, Oct. 19 (UPI) -- A proposed privatization of Spain's inter-city commuter railroad industry has rail unions preparing for labor protests and strikes, officials said.
Two-hour rotating strikes of workplaces on November 10 and 11, and a full shutdown by workers December 13 and 14, are planned against three rail transport companies, the English-language news website ThinkSpain reported Friday, adding the actions are in protest over threats of privatization, which union members fear could result in job losses.
Unions met recently with Ana Pastor, minister for infrastructure and public works, who assured representatives there is no risk of privatization or job losses, but union leaders said the pickets and strikes, announced after the meeting, are to remind the government that unions remain wary of "possible attacks" to workers' jobs, pay structures and working conditions, ThinkSpain said.
Earlier in the week Spain's major unions announced a general strike Nov. 14 to protest government austerity measures.
