Striking miners in northern Spain use rocket launchers and burning tires to call for talks | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
Subscribe

Would you like to subscribe to our newsletter?

Current Conditions Light Rain  5.0°C

Striking miners in northern Spain use rocket launchers and burning tires to call for talks

Miners block a motorway making a barricade with burning tires in Campomanes, Oviedo, Spain, Tuesday, June 12, 2012. Strikes, road blockades, and mine sit-ins continue as 8,000 mineworkers at over 40 coal mines in northern Spain continue their protests against government action to cut coal subsidies. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

ALLER, Spain - Trade union officials say striking coal workers fearful of losing their jobs in recession-hit Spain are using homemade rocket launchers to stop police from breaking up their protests.

Protesters have blocked roads and highways with burning tires to highlight calls for negotiations on job cuts, while others have remained underground for 23 days.

Mining has been an integral part of the economy of the northern provinces of Asturias and Leon since Roman times. Many miners are worried that government cuts including a reduction in mining subsidies from €300 million to €110 million ($375 million-$137 million) will mean the end of their industry.

Spain is applying across-the-board cutbacks as part of an economy overhaul aimed at slashing its swollen deficit and reducing the country's near 25 per cent unemployment rate.

News from © The Associated Press, 2012
The Associated Press

  • Popular penticton News
View Site in: Desktop | Mobile