( CNN ) -- European trade unionists descended on Brussels , Belgium , Wednesday in the tens of thousands , determined to both vent their anger at austerity measures and to tell European governments to `` put people first . '' Belgian police told CNN that around 80,000 people turned out for the demonstration in the capitol , which was organized by the European Trade Union Confederation ( ETUC ) . It represents the interests of trade unions from 36 European countries and claims 60 million members . ETUC 's general secretary , John Monks , had said up to 100,000 people were expected . Even so , the crowd was sufficient to pack streets in central and downtown Brussels . The atmosphere had the vibrant feel of a carnival , with trade unionists in brightly colored T-shirts and huge balloons among the crowd , only the T-shirts and balloons bore slogans advocating the preservation of workers ' rights . Demonstrators wanted to tell European governments and banks to put the needs of people ahead of balanced budgets , according to the ETUC website . Marchers were on the streets to express their concern about both the economic and social situation , and to assert their belief that austerity measures designed to balance budgets will put more people at risk . One man told CNN , `` It 's not time to forget the people . It 's not time to forget the workers . It 's time to hear what 's happening in the street . '' The crowd in Brussels marched from the Midi Railway station to Cinquantenaire Arch . Then they packed into Jubilee Park to hear speeches from union representatives . Some of those representatives later met with European Union President Jose Manuel Barroso . Explainer : Why Europe is protesting . Rallies were also planned in Portugal , Italy , Latvia , Lithuania , the Czech Republic , Cyprus , Serbia , Romania , Poland , Ireland and France . Those demonstrations coincided with a general strike in Spain . Lines were long at train stations and metro services in Madrid . Fewer trains and buses were in service and travel was disrupted both in the capitol and in other big cities across the country . Spanish unions said the strike was a big success . They said there was 70 percent support among their workers . They also said there was 17 percent less electrical consumption Wednesday than there is on a normal weekday . Thousands turned out to for marches to support the strike , as well . In Madrid , demonstrators packed streets shoulder-to-shoulder , waving red flags , chanting and blowing whistles . There were scattered confrontations between police and picketers reported during the day , especially in Barcelona . Some demonstrators were injured and police cars burned there . CNN affiliate CNN+ said a protester was hit by a bus and injured in the city . But overall , authorities say the day was peaceful . Spanish unions to called the strike because they believe planned government reforms will make it easier for companies to lay off workers , especially higher-paid ones . The government , however , says the changes will ease Spain 's deficit and recession and make for a more competitive economy . Spain already has 20 percent unemployment -- the highest among countries using the euro currency -- and many see the reforms as inevitable and necessary . CNN 's Al Goodman in Madrid , Spain , Melissa Gray in London , England , and Antonia Mortensen in Brussels , Belgium , contributed to this report .
NEW : 80,000 trade unionists march in Brussels to tell governments that they must stop TTIP Demonstrations are planned in almost a dozen countries .