Spanish workers walked off the job Wednesday in the country's first general strike in 14 years, called by the two largest unions to demand relief from soaring rents and living costs.

The 24-hour action, which began at midnight, disrupted public transport and slowed operations in key industries including automotive, ports, and energy. Unions CCOO and UGT reported participation rates as high as 90 percent in ports and car manufacturing, with total stoppages at plants such as Volkswagen in Navarre and SEAT in Barcelona.

The strike centers on Spain's acute housing shortage. The Bank of Spain estimates the country faces a deficit of about 750,000 homes, a gap projected to exceed one million by 2028. Average rents reached 1,176 euros per month in recent data, nearly matching the average salary for young workers.

Public anger intensified after the September eviction of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from her Madrid home, where she had lived for decades. She died days later, becoming a symbol of tenant struggles.

Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called the November 29 snap election after parliament rejected his minority government's proposed housing measures. The vote comes amid ongoing protests and encampments in major cities.

Business groups noted uneven participation across sectors and regions, with lower turnout reported in many areas. Employers have criticized the action as disruptive ahead of the vote.

The strike also seeks higher wages and price controls. Union leaders framed it as pressure on all levels of government to address housing affordability before the election, where conservative and far-right parties lead in some polls.

Early reports indicated significant but varied mobilization, with demonstrations planned in Madrid and Barcelona despite stormy weather in parts of the country.