More than 300 Spanish Union members are facing charges that could see some tossed in prison for up to three years, and Spain’s major trade unions are fighting back against new laws they saw criminalizes the simple right to strike and be involved in union activities.

Thousands rallied in Madrid’s Plaza Del Callao do demand authorities work to ensure workers’ rights, instead of persecuting those on strike.

“They’re trying to make examples of a few, instill fear and discourage people from participating in mobilizations and strikes.  We’re talking about a fundamental right that’s enshrined in the Spanish constitution,” said Ignacio Fernandez Toxo, who heads the Workers' Commission trade union.

The unions say prosecutors are misinterpreting an obscure article in the criminal code that was inserted in there to prevent workers from being pressured into striking, and applying it to normal union activities.  The UGT general workers’ union says 260 workers are facing cumulative jail time of 120 years as a result.

UGT General Secretary Candido Mendez will meet with the judges of Spain’s General Council of the Judiciary on Friday to discuss concerns about the persecution of trade unionists.  And next week, he will meet with Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardon of the conservative government to demand prosecutors stop using criminal law to meddle in labor disputes.