Since May 31, 2012, miners in Asturias, Castilla y León, Aragón and Castilla La Mancha have staged a strike against the reduction of coal subsidies. Despite earlier promises Prime Minister Mario Mariano Rajoy decided to slash 64 percent of the public funds for the mining industry. 8,000 jobs are in danger in a country with an unemployment rate of about 25 percent.

The miners, their families and other inhabitants in the region drew attention to their precarious social situation with demonstrations that have taken place daily since May. In addition, they have blocked highways and train tracks. When riot cops and the paramilitary Guardia Civil attacked them, the miners fought back with paving stones and self-made rockets.

On June 22 the striking workers began a march to Madrid, and upon their arrival three weeks later they were enthusiastically welcomed by hundreds of thousands of demonstrators. During the following clashes with the police dozens were injured and arrested.