Spain General Strike update – 58 arrested

9AM UPDATE:: 58 people arrested and several injured – including six police officers – in isolated incidents.

The most serious incident so far occurred in Torrelavega (Cantabria, northern Spain) where a female picketer was stabbed in the hand by the owner of a hotel.

The suspect has been arrested and the woman was admitted to hospital but released shortly after.

There are reports from Murcia that a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a police car, although there were no known casualties.

Rail, bus and air services are running with normality within the minimum services agreed prior to the strike.

There have been a few reported attempts of picketers attempting to disrupt local bus services in several cities.

As is customary unions during strikes unions report of a massive public backing while government plays it down saying a low percentage turnout.

The Madrid regional government claims less than 3 per cent have followed it. Since midnight there has not been a signal from Telemadrid and CanalSur.

Unions claim a 100% following by the Renault factory in Valladolid, Seat in Martorell (Barcelona), Volkswagen in Navarra, Ford Amusafes and Airbus in Toledo.

UGT and CCOO have also claimed a following exceeding 80 per cent in the manufacturing industries of construction, textiles, food, drinks, tobacco, frozen foods and metals.

More EWN  strike updates later today.