Spain’s leading trade unions, Comisiones Obreras (CC.OO) and the Unión General de Trabajadores (UGT), organized nationwide protests on Thursday to mark International Workers’ Day, calling for reduced working hours, an end to the war in Gaza, and a halt to arms sales to Israel.

In Barcelona, thousands gathered at Plaça Urquinaona, denouncing military spending for diverting funds away from healthcare and education, two sectors they say are already under strain.

Union leaders warned against the erosion of the welfare state and the loss of historic labor rights, while also raising alarm over rising hate speech on social media and traditional outlets.

One of the core demands was the implementation of a 37-hour workweek, a measure expected to be approved by the Cabinet this week, but postponed due to a nationwide blackout that disrupted public services and paralyzed transportation networks.

The demonstrations saw widespread participation, with banners from CC.OO and UGT alongside independent workers. Protesters also decried Spain’s soaring housing costs, which have forced many families to relocate far from urban job centers.

The blackout crisis, which left thousands stranded without access to food, water, or internet connectivity, added urgency to the protests.

Unions emphasized the importance of global worker solidarity in the face of rising authoritarianism, referencing leaders such as Donald Trump in the United States as symbols of reactionary politics.

This year’s May Day mobilizations come amid ongoing labor unrest in Spain. Just days before, sanitation workers in Madrid ended an indefinite strike after six days of walkouts and intense negotiations.

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