MADRID, June 22 (UPI) -- Hundreds of demonstrators rallied near the Spanish Parliament in Madrid to protest plans to reform workers' collective bargaining rights, officials said.
Almost 200 activists stood outside the central Madrid assembly Wednesday as legislators entered the building to discuss unions and conditions covering workers' general rights, El Pais reported.
Parliament debated a proposed reform that would reduce the period that a contract can remain in effect once expired. The reform would only apply to specific firms instead of entire industries.
Protesters say the government's labor reforms are too harsh and unfair towards employees.
Some Spanish businesses have criticized the process saying it does not go far enough.
The demonstrators are part of the M-15 movement that started May 15 right before the May 22 local elections.
The movement has been protesting the country's economic crisis, high unemployment, benefit cuts and corruption.
