Full Balearic backing to general strike

Balearic union representatives have given their full backing to the June 20 general strike. Spanish trade unions, which represent nearly 1.8 million workers, yesterday called the general strike in protest against planned labour reforms. Socialist politicians and autonomous governments, including the Balearics, have also thrown their support behind the industrial action which will bring the islands to a complete stand still. Earlier this week service sector unions and federations said their members will take part in the strike, which will mean that many hotels will be left with minimum services and a skeleton staff, if any, while bars and restaurants may remain closed and public transport systems cancelled. Violence in Majorca marred the last general strike in 1994.