A sea of hands pushing against the government.

"Hands up, this is theft" they chant of austerity measures Spain introduced last week.

Joining protestors across the country, public sector workers and firemen march in central Madrid, insulting officials at City Hall and Parliament.

Aside from tax increases, civil servants face wage cuts, lay-offs and the elimination of some perks.

With one of the EU's highest unemployment rates, Spain also plans to crack down on those claiming unemployment benefits while working in the black economy.

(SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) CRISTIAN, FIREMAN, SAYING:

"We are here to protect our rights because we consider the type of cuts made to be totally unfair at a national level in the way they affect the unemployed, the handicapped and us."

Demonstrators held a mock funeral symbolising the death of labour rights as the country's two largest unions threatened widespread industrial action in September.

Lindsey Parietti, Reuters