A FEMINIST industrial action movement in northern Spain has “inspired” young activists in Britain to build support for grassroots movements against austerity.

The North West Young Labour committee this week passed a motion expressing solidarity with the Vaga de Totes movement — an all-women strike that has targeted businesses and patriarchal structures across Catalonia.

Last month, activists staged a mass day of action including strikes, occupations and flash mobs in Barcelona.

The motion argues that the movement “combined participatory democracy and direct action as a means of advancing feminist politics.”

North West Young Labour women’s officer Sarah Elliott told the Star: “We were inspired by the way in which they are mobilising against austerity, which of course has a disproportionate impact on women.”

“It’s a refreshing combination of anti-capitalist and feminist action conducted through grassroots, democratic organisations.”

The Vaga de Totes manifesto has been signed by more than 900 activists and is supported by over 60 different activist collectives in Spain.