General Strike in the Balearic Islands: Unions Estimate 48% Participation on 11 November

November 10, 2026

The general strike called across the Balearic Islands on Wednesday, 11 November 2026, recorded an estimated average participation of around 48% during the morning, according to trade unions CCOO and UGT. The unions described the start of the day as relatively subdued, although they expressed confidence that participation would increase during the afternoon demonstrations.

The strike was called to demand improvements in housing affordability and wages, alongside action on the rising cost of living. Union representatives said economic difficulties had influenced some workers' decisions not to join the stoppage, despite expressing support for its demands.

CCOO and UGT Estimate 48% Participation

The figures were presented by José Luis García, secretary general of CCOO in the Balearic Islands, and Pedro Homar, secretary general of UGT in the region, during a press conference in Palma.

According to the unions, participation across the archipelago averaged approximately 48% by midday. They acknowledged that the initial response had been more moderate than expected but described the strike as a success under the circumstances.

Homar said some employees had told union representatives that financial considerations had prevented them from taking part.

Both organisations also placed considerable importance on the afternoon demonstrations, which they expected to provide a stronger public expression of dissatisfaction over wages and housing conditions.

Different Levels of Participation Across Economic Sectors

The union figures showed considerable differences between sectors.

In transport, the unions reported participation of 100% in the SFM and TIB networks, 80% in Palma's EMT service and 60% at the airport.

Education recorded an estimated 50% participation across public and private institutions. In public administration, the reported figures included 30% for the Balearic regional administration, 30% for Palma Town Council and 45% for Manacor Town Council.

Within the state administration, Correos recorded 60% participation. The State Public Employment Service (SEPE), the Social Security Treasury and the National Social Security Institute (INSS) were reported at 30%, while the Tax Agency recorded 25%.

These figures were provided by the unions and refer to the Balearic Islands as a whole. They should not be interpreted as individual participation rates for Ibiza or Formentera. In particular, the transport figures relate to Mallorca's SFM, TIB and EMT networks and the regional airport statistics.

Economic Pressures Influence Workers' Decisions

The union leaders acknowledged that the strike had not achieved the level of participation they had initially expected.

One of the explanations they identified was the financial situation facing workers, with some employees reportedly concerned about losing a day's wages by joining the stoppage.

Despite the relatively moderate start, both representatives said they had observed support for the strike's underlying demands, particularly those concerning wages and access to affordable housing.

CCOO also highlighted the importance of the political debate surrounding housing policy, calling on political parties to explain their proposals and how they intended to implement them at regional level.

Ibiza and Formentera Record Different Public Administration Figures

Separate figures released by the island administrations in Ibiza and Formentera showed lower participation rates among their own employees.

Ibiza Island Council reported that 37 of its 819 employees had joined the strike, representing 4.5%. Ibiza Town Council recorded 32 participants among 402 employees, equivalent to 7.96%, excluding Local Police personnel.

Formentera Island Council reported provisional participation of 12% by 12:30.

These figures relate exclusively to the respective institutions' workforces and cannot be directly compared with the unions' regional estimate of 48%, which covers a much broader range of economic sectors and locations.

Afternoon Demonstrations Expected to Bring Greater Participation

The union representatives placed their hopes on the demonstrations scheduled for the afternoon of 11 November, expecting a stronger public turnout than during the morning stoppage.

The central demands behind the strike remained housing affordability, decent wages and the ability of workers to maintain an acceptable standard of living amid rising economic pressures.

The morning figures provided an initial picture of participation across the Balearic Islands, but the unions' assessment of the full day's mobilisation remained dependent on the demonstrations still scheduled to take place.

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