Spaniards understand that they need changes to labor reform legislation. Aware of this need and the failure of past strikes, the labor unions are not risking starting another war.
But the progression of the unemployment rate during the next several months will fuel the CCOO and UGT's ability to take advantage of social unrest, declare that the labor reforms failed and make charges against the Spanish government.
For now, the unions have built a platform in defense of the Welfare State and public services for which they are seeking support from PSOE government workers -- the very people who came to demonstrations.
The labor unions' strategy depends on tensions peaking, which may explain why Méndez and Toxo did not interfere as protests waned: they are holding back in anticipation of a fiery autumn.
