For what it is worth, I actually run one of the largest transport companies in Iberia. facts regarding the strike are essentially correct except:
- While the strike is winding down in most areas it will probably last another week in Galicia, Asturias, Cantanbria and most of Pais Vasco were the real radicals are.
- A lot of these small transporters will leave the industry and for many this is a way of negotiating the best exit deal. Given Zapatero’s track record, this seems to me to be a logical strategy. Others, like those in the port of Bilbao who strike even though they enjoy the highest rates in the country, just feel like it.
- Sr. Zapatero gave his personal guarantee to manufacturers that he would make sure they keep going through the strike…….and then did nothing, cero, ni leventar un dedo to fulfill his promise – leaving predictable chaos in his wake.
- Anyone who truly believes there will be growth in Spain GDP this year is smoking too much dope.El crisis is tangible and getting worse. Automotive sales declines are accelerating. Most major clothing retailers are seeing declines on same store sales. Shopping centers like El Corte Ingles where I live are like ghost towns – something I have never seen. The rising LIBOR rates forcing rising house payments is taking money directly out of average persons standard of living – as the Spanish leave pretty close to their means. This strike will just be the icing on the cake to destroy anyone’s financial aspirations for the year.
