1988 Spanish general strike

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The 1988 Spanish general strike, known locally as 14-D (shortened form of 14 Diciembre), was a general strike in Spain that took place on December 14, 1988. It was called by the two main trade unions: CCOO and Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT).^[1][2][3]

Triggered by a significant reform in the labour market, namely a new more flexible contract for inexperienced youngsters with less redundancy pay, the strike was moreover a manifestation of general discontent with Spain's PSOE government policies.^[1][2][3] The government's economic policies were thought to be too conservative by trade unions and many left-wing voters.

The country was completely and peacefully paralyzed for 24 hours, prompting the government to negotiate with the unions.^[1][2][3] Even the TV signal was turned off by the workers.^[1][3] That flexible contract was retired and welfare state was increased.^[2][3] However, the strike did not prevent a third absolute majority by PSOE,^[1] whose leader, Felipe González, remained popular.