Uatae backs the general strike on November 11 for housing and commercial premises

The Union of Associations of Self-Employed Workers and Entrepreneurs (Uatae) has announced its support for the general strike called for November 11 by several trade unions, including CCOO and UGT. The entity encourages self-employed workers to participate in the mobilizations, which are centered on demands regarding housing, wages, prices, and public services.

Under the slogan “Without housing or decent income, self-employment is not possible,” Uatae argues that the increase in the cost of housing and commercial premises pressures both household economies and the continuity of small businesses. According to the organization, the call also addresses self-employed workers because they share some of these difficulties with other workers.

Uatae highlights the weight of rent in small businesses

In its own survey of 800 self-employed workers, Uatae indicates that 49% had difficulties renting a home due to working for themselves. It also notes that 43% devote between a quarter and half of their monthly income to renting the premises where they carry out their activity.

The entity states that commercial rents have risen over the last two years and that this pressure contributes to the deterioration of local commerce, workshops, and other neighborhood activities. The percentages cited come from Uatae's survey; the available information does not detail its methodology.

The organization also links the loss of purchasing power among families with a reduced capacity to consume in nearby shops. According to data collected by Uatae in its document supporting the strike, 13,194 shops were lost in 2025, and the cumulative figure since 2020 exceeds 50,000. Uatae links these losses to several factors, including rising housing costs and falling consumption.

The organization's general secretary, María José Landaburu, defended that the problems of those working for themselves and for others should not be set against each other and stated: “That is why this strike is also ours.”

How Uatae proposes to show support for the call

Uatae encourages self-employed workers to stop their activity on November 11, if their circumstances allow it, and to participate in the demonstrations organized in various cities. For those who cannot close, it proposes placing posters in their establishments and spreading the #PersianasBajadas11N campaign.

The announcement expresses Uatae's position and call; it does not in itself establish a general obligation to cease activity for all self-employed workers. The organization presents the mobilization as a way to add its demands regarding housing and economic conditions to the general demands of the strike.