Spanish workers hold general strike over labour reforms

[dipsydoodle]

1. Spanish strike tests tolerance for austerity

(Reuters) - Spanish unions said a high turnout for a general strike to protest government budget cuts and reforms on Thursday had almost brought heavy industry to a halt while the government said the day was proceeding normally.

Spaniards have been tolerant of Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's efforts to meet strict European deficit goals but he has promised an austere 2012 budget on Friday and the strike shows that patience may be wearing thin.

The two main unions, Comisiones Obreras and UGT, said the action had "practically paralysed" factories during the night shift while 85 percent of workers in the food sector were also taking part.

Data from national grid operator REE showed demand for power was about 20 percent below expected at 0740 GMT.

http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/03/29/uk-spain-strike-idUKBRE82S07920120329