Spanish unions have called protests against a proposed constitutional amendment that would force the government to keep its deficit low.

Labor leaders say the Socialist government is adopting neo-liberal economic policies, acting hurriedly without proper public debate and yielding to market pressure that has sent Spanish borrowing costs higher and raised fears Spain will need a bailout.

Ramon Gorriz of the Workers Commission union said street protests have been called for Wednesday and Thursday of this week around the country and in Madrid next week.

The amendment is backed by the ruling Socialists and opposition conservatives and is expected to be approved in the lower chamber of Parliament on Friday, then go to the Senate.