Hundreds of thousands of Spaniards on Sunday demonstrated against a labour market reform lowering severance pay, taking to the streets in 57 cities, dpa reported. The rallies had been called by the country's two main trade union confederations, CCOO and UGT. Demonstrators included members of the main opposition Socialist Party and of the far-left Izquierda Unida (IU). The reform makes it easier for companies to sack workers, to cut salaries, and reduces the power of unions in wage negotiations. Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy's conservative government said it will help to fight Spain's record unemployment of nearly 23 per cent by giving companies more favourable conditions for hiring workers. Critics said the reform only heeds the interests of companies, while undermining social rights.
