Unions in Spain are calling for public sector strikes in response to the 5% proposed average pay cut for the public sector. Spain is in need of serious change and we have all witnessed what has happened in Greece. There is a distinct feeling that the same could happen here. Spain is going through one of the deepest recessions in history, with over 20% unemployment and no sign at the moment of a recovery.

Are the unions right to complain? Many public sector workers blame the government for the state of the economy and don't see why they should pay. Some are blaming the private sector for paying out large bonuses and salaries, so why should they sacrifice?

But they are not the only ones who will lose out. The proposals will also hit pensioners and parents-to-be, where pensioners will have inflation adjustments suspended and payments for newborn children are also to be scrapped.

There are also proposals to change labour laws, allowing hiring and firing of staff to be made much easier. This, of course, will affect the private sector.

Other countries in the EU are making similar cuts, so it is logical that Spain, arguably one of the most seriously affected countries in the EU, will also need severe cuts and reforms.

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