CNN 2010-10-07（在线收听）

This is the entrance to a high speed train linking Madrid with Barcelona, Seville and Malaga, normally there will be dozens of taxies and cars right here, dropping people off, rushing into their trains. Not this day.

Not for long distance trains and not for commuter trains either, in Madrid and other major cities, minimum services for the general strike meant far fewer trainings than normal and large crowds waiting. 

I'm going to the university, because some teachers said that they are going to work but I'm waiting for the train. Since it's still not coming, I don't know when I'm going to get there.

Outside the bus stop, same story.  Long lines, few buses. Union say industry slowed for the day with electrical comsuption down about 17 percent.  Many stores and restaurants closed. Traffic were than normal with brisk as many people try to get to work in their cars. But the union protectors had the plan to block that attack too, with bicycles, outnumber police were in no mood to see the ground.

They don't want the working class to be united, we've been opressed for a long time, and now this is the 1st general strike in 8 years.

The workers are angry about the government's deficit cutting or austerity plan in labor reforms, the socialist government saying its traditional allies the unions on strike offer the moderate stance.

Our public services are being met dispite the strike, even though there have been minor problems throughout the day, the government is satisfied that the strike has not created major disruptions.

This union machinist remembers the strike his father and auto worker took part in to win labor right years ago. He says he does not want to lose ground now even as the others see the reform as necessary and inevitable.

What we can not do in Spain is to take a step back, everyt ime we do that, it takes us a year to recuperate.  A small mistake takes us a year to do over.

The unions claimed a 70% following for the strike, a large demonstration in Madrid later in the day aimed to show the union's musle. The government has offered to negotiate, but union leaders demanded a complete goverment about faith