The general strike has begun with extensive monitoring, according to the unions

The general strike called in Hego Euskal Herria to demand the right to housing and wage improvements is being followed "very broadly" from the first hour, according to the first assessment of ELA. The union has ensured that the lowest activity has been seen in companies and on the streets, with a significant decrease in traffic density and praise for the response of workers. 

The day has begun with pickets and cuts on several roads of the main network and on access to the capitals. In Gipuzkoa, there have been interruptions and withholding at the N-1 off Beasain and Legorreta. In Vitoria-Gasteiz, pickets have placed container barricades on access to the N-240 and set fire to tyres.

In Bilbao, the sit-in at the entrance to Juan de Garay has cut off traffic for a few minutes at around 7.30 a.m. In Bizkaia there have also been delays on the BI-625 in Arrigorriaga due to a caravan of vehicles driving at low speed and problems at the access to the BEC in Barakaldo and at the pickets in Igorre.

ELA has placed particular emphasis on the impact of the strike on the industry, as it has ensured that production is stagnant in many industrial parks and that many large companies are standing or almost standing still.

In Gipuzkoa, the union has virtually monitored numerous companies, including Fagor Automation, AMPO, CAF, Orona, Arcelor Bergara and GKN Legazpi.

In Bizkaia, ELA highlights the impact on companies such as Gestamp, Nemak, Cikautxo, Unilever, Ingeteam, Lucart and Cementos Lemona. In Álava, it mentions the companies Tubacex, Inaux and Jez Sistemas. In Navarra, the strike is having a significant impact on the region of Pamplona, especially Volkswagen, Argal, Kybse, Icer Rail and Ingeteam.

The union, which also envisages extensive monitoring of construction, has highlighted the closure of shops in various localities, school canteens and businesses, including H & M, COS, Desigual, Sephora, Scalpers, Natura, Pull and Bear and Oysho.

Many public service subcontractors, including gardening and cleaning companies, have also joined the call.

In public transport, many lines have the minimum services envisaged, including Euskotren, Metro Bilbao, Lurraldebus, Bizkaibus, Bilbobus and Donostibus.

Asfar as education is concerned, ELA expects very broad monitoring in public schools, and almost complete in the Haurreskolas and the ikastolas of Hego Euskal Herria.

In Osakidetza, the union expects strong monitoring, although it complains that the minimum services set, especially in emergencies and night shifts, limit the possibility of joining unemployment.

ELA has pointed out that the monitoring of the EITB group is being "very extensive" and that only information is being provided to ensure minimum services.