Madrid, Feb 19 (EFE).- Two of Spain's largest trade unions led a demonstration through the streets of Madrid on Sunday, calling on the government to address the poverty of workers and pensioners faced with rising living costs.

The respective leaders of the Workers' Commissions (CCOO) and General Union of Workers (UGT) headed the crowds of people walking from Madrid's Plaza de Neptuno to Puerta del Sol, at the heart of capital's downtown district.

"Stop the rising cost of life. Employment and salaries with dignity," read the large banner atop the demonstration.

Leader of the CCOO, Ignacio Fernández Toxo said: "It's important that society takes a step forward and demands of the government (...) that the economy must be brought into line with the interests of the citizens."

Union officials estimated that around 10,000 people turned out for the demonstration. The local Madrid government put that figure at around 1,500, however.

"Demand changes in policies, the repeal of labor reforms, end uncertainty and miserable wages by demanding pay-rises," said Pepe Alvarez, leader of the UGT.

Traditionally, both unions lean towards the politics of Spain's Socialist Party (PSOE), which forms the country's main opposition.

The conservative Popular Party, headed by Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, was currently governing Spain.

The CCOO and the UGT, two heavyweights in Spanish trade unionism, were organizating a slew of protests until Feb. 23 that are set to take place in more than 40 towns and cities across Spain.

Combined, these unions boast over 2 million members.

In Madrid the protest focused particularly on citizens' weakening purchasing power, for which the unions blame low salaries in the face of price inflation.