Spain: Podemos leader Iglesias champions Telefonica strikers on May Day

Pablo Iglesias, leader of the Spanish anti-austerity party Podemos joined an International Workers’ Day protests in Madrid, Friday, in support of striking workers from the Spanish telecommunication giants Telefonica. Iglesias told strikers that they were the role models, adding that Podemos existed thanks to the dignity and courage of people such as the demonstrators. He went on to criticise those defending market totalitarianism, railing against Spanish politicians such as Rodrigo Rato, former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and Eduardo Zaplana who he alleges "stack millions" while workers suffer under poor work conditions. Telefonica workers have been on indefinite strike since 7th April 2015 due to alleged underpayment and difficult contract conditions, using May Day to highlight their concerns. Although International Workers’ Day is commemorated on varying dates in different countries, many millions celebrate May Day around the world by taking to the streets to honour labourers’ communities and call for improved workers’ rights.