International Support for the Spanish Miners / Apoyo Internacional a los Mineros Españoles
Channel: shak root
Date: 2012-06-16

(subtitulado en español e ingles)

The Spanish government has announced cuts of 63% to subsidies for Asturias' coal mines which will result in thousands of job losses. This comes in the wake of the government spending billions on the banking and financial sectors. In desperation, miners have begun an indefinite strike and militant direct action, in a bid to save their communities.

As of mid-June 2012 miners have been on strike for two weeks. The Civil Guard and riot police have used tear gas, baton charges and rubber bullets. In response, miners have blocked motorways, roads and railways; they are also occupying a mineshaft.

The austerity measures inflicted on the people of Asturias are reflective of a global trend in which governments and big businesses are attempting to safeguard themselves at the expense of ordinary people.

A day of international solidarity with the miners of Asturias has been called. The 18th of June, take the streets!