Nissan’s Barcelona plant closure triggers protest

Nissan Motor workers in Barcelona have protested following the automaker’s announcement that it will close its Spanish plant as part of its global restructuring.

Nissan revealed a four-year streamlining plan on Thursday and stated it will start negotiations with the relevant parties to shut down the factory in Barcelona.

Almost 1,000 workers gathered in front of the plant on Thursday and protested against the decision. Some of them burned tires and blocked roads.

Labor unions say the closure would impact about 3,000 workers of the plant and nearby facilities, and over 20,000 jobs indirectly.

Spanish Foreign Minister Arancha Gonzalez Laya expressed regret over the automaker’s decision, saying that the government has done everything it can to keep the factory running and will make sure to convince the automaker to change their mind on plant’s closure.

Spain’s industry ministry stated it is working with the Catalonia region, Barcelona City, and labor unions to evaluate the impact of the planned closure.