A background to why the workers are protesting

Spain to Privatize Four Izar Shipyards; Proceeds to Be Used to Repay Government Aid

MADRID, Spain (AP) -- Spain plans to privatize four shipyards owned by troubled shipbuilder Izar in April, Enrique Martinez Robles, chairman of the state holding company SEPI, told legislators Wednesday.

Proceeds from the sale will be used to repay more than euro1 billion (US$1.3 billion) in government aid received by Izar over the last decade, which was deemed illegal by the European Union.

The remaining six shipyards operated by Izar were transferred in January to a separate military company, New Izar, which will remain under government control.

Last December, the Spanish government and Izar unions reached an agreement over the sale of the four shipyards as part of the restructuring of the state-owned company, ending a long and bitter labor standoff.

An estimated 4,028 workers out of a workforce of 10,862 will be laid off as a result of the sale.

For past actions

chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/53039
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chicago.indymedia.org/newswire/display_any/46933
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For background info on the Puerto Real shipyard strike of 1987 see
www.enrager.net/history/articles/puerto-real-strike-1987