A new phase in the housing protest unfolds this Wednesday with the announcement of a nationwide 24-hour strike scheduled for 11 November. Supported by unions CCOO and UGT, the strike aligns with tenant movements and coincides with the launch of a campsite in Arrecife dedicated to housing rights.
The date was finalised after the Tenant Union suggested 11 November and UGT confirmed an agreement with CCOO. A meeting with other organisations is set to finalise the details of a movement aimed at addressing housing issues in workplaces as well.
The strike, which will take place across Spain, has garnered support from other groups including CGT, CIG, and ELA, as well as various tenants’ associations. The focus is on linking wages and working conditions to the rising challenge of affording housing.
In Lanzarote, the national call coincides with local grassroots efforts, as an open campsite has been established at José Ramírez Cerdá Park in Arrecife to foster community engagement and organisation around housing issues on the island.
The campsite initiative follows a series of actions including a concentration, a demonstration, and several assemblies where working groups were formed, such as the Casa de Todos y Todas committee, tasked with coordinating meetings and future campaigns.
Participants have expressed concerns about escalating housing costs, the struggle to find affordable rentals, real estate speculation, overcrowding, and evictions. They plan to hold daily meetings and gatherings at the campsite.
The strike on 11 November will occur just 18 days before the upcoming general elections on 29 November. While the electoral calendar places housing on the agenda, unions assert that the strike is unrelated to the elections and is focused on raising awareness about wages and housing costs.
