The Spanish government unveiled its proposal for labor reforms on Wednesday, and unions have called a general strike in response. Talks with the unions broke down last week, and union leaders say that the reforms will hurt workers' rights. The plans include ways for employers to hire and fire more easily. Spanish workers protested last week against austerity cuts, but the small size of the protest led many to believe that the government would be able to go ahead with its labor reforms. The plan will be taken to Parliament on June 22, and if passed, will take effect immediately. Spain is hoping that the austerity cuts and the labor reforms will stimulate the economy and curb their deficit. The general strike is planned for September 29.
See "Spanish unions call general strike over labour reforms", BBC News Online, June 14, 2010