1988 Spanish general strike

The 1988 Spanish general strike, known as 14-D (December 14, 1988), was a nationwide protest led by the two main trade unions, CCOO and UGT, in response to labor market reforms. These reforms introduced a more flexible contract for young workers with reduced redundancy pay, sparking widespread discontent with the PSOE government's economic policies, which were seen as overly conservative. The strike paralyzed the country peacefully for 24 hours, leading to negotiations between the government and unions. As a result, the controversial contract was withdrawn, and welfare state protections were expanded.

Economists later linked the strike to an increase in public spending, contributing to a budget deficit that led to spending cuts and economic recession in 1993. In 2005, minority unions used the symbolic significance of 14-D to protest a new education law favoring private schools, but the strike had limited success due to lack of broader union support.

Other notable general strikes in Spain occurred in 1985, 1991, 1992, 1994, 2002, and 2010-2012, often linked to labor reforms or political events. Despite the 14-D strike's impact, the PSOE remained in power under Felipe González, who retained significant popularity.

The strike was commemorated in various media, including TV broadcasts marking its 30th anniversary in 2018.