Spanish workers livid over labor reforms they see as flagrantly pro-business staged a nationwide strike Thursday and tried to bring the country to a halt by blocking traffic, closing factories and clashing with police in rowdy demonstrations.
Spain is expected to announce more cuts with hopes that austerity measures will prevent it from needing a bailout.
The country is already heading toward recession and has an unemployment rate of almost 23 percent. Traders are worried that if Spain falls into financial trouble, larger economies such as Italy could be next.
--Msnbc.com wire services contributed to this post.
Related links:
- Spanish workers strike against labor reforms
- PhotoBlog: Workers strike in Spain filling streets and closing businesses
