Can I bargain with the Mayor?

Madrid’s street sweepers and public park and garden workers have begun an indefinite strike. Around 6,000 employees have joined the walk-out after private companies, contracted by Madrid’s city hall planned to slash salaries by up to 40 percent and lay off more than 1,100 people. Angel Jornosa, one of the workers whose job is under threat said: “They are going to kick us out with a shameful severance pay. There are people who have worked 28, 30 years.” City hall worker, Guillermo added: “We think it’s enough, this has to end once and for all. Health, education, the city, public services in general have all gone to hell.” Unions are calling on the city council – run by ex Prime Minister Jose Maria Aznar’s wife Ana Botella – to intervene and stop the job cuts. LiveLeak.com - Spain: six thousand rubbish collectors go on strike in Madrid Elsewhere there was more news of job losses. The Valencian Government closed down public television and radio broadcaster RTVV. The compan

  NEW INFORMATION LAW IN SPAIN RESTRICTS PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION. I express disappointment that an information law that Spanish parliament passed yesterday will in fact restrict the public’s access to information. This law will unnecessarily obstruct journalists from carrying out their role as watchdogs in front of  the executive authorities and it does not meet international standards. Denial of access to government information is one of the most common ways to stifle media freedom. If adopted, the proposed law will result in authorities’ tighter control of information. I would like the members of the Senate to consider this when voting on the law.  

Uf, what pitty