Spain's labor union calls for general strike Nov 14

PanARMENIAN.Net - Spain's Workers' Commissions union has called a general strike for Nov 14, coinciding with similar protests in Portugal and Greece, AP reports.

The general strike, called to protest the conservative government's austerity measures and labor reforms, is the second to be held in Spain this year. A partially successful one was held March 29.

Union spokesman Fernando Lezcano said it would be the first ever joint general strike in Iberian neighbors Spain and Portugal.

Spain's other main worker's group, the General Workers' Union, is expected to back the stoppage later Friday, Oct 19.

Spain is in its second recession in three years and has near 25 percent unemployment. The austerity programs and reforms are aimed at convincing investors and international authorities the country can manage its finances without a need for a full-blown bailout.