MADRID -- Authorities said thousands marched this weekend in a rally organized by the Confederacion General de Trabajo (CGT) over civil rights issues. The move was backed by different political, social and international organizations and was staged against the government's social pact and in favor of the distribution of retirement, wealth and employment for those aged 60, along with a 35-hour working week as means of generating employment opportunities. The demonstration started in the Calle Alcala and went through central Madrid before ending in Paseo Camoens. It ended with a number of speeches and a concert. Among those who delivered a speech was CGT General Secretary Jacinto Ceacero, who criticized Jose Luis Zapatero's government and other labor groups. Ceacero looked forward to the future battles in the social agenda, which he perceives as the privatization of public services and the reform of collective bargaining. The CGT expressed its satisfaction with the turn out of the event and noted that it does not mark the end of its campaign, but part of the ongoing battle which started with the general strike held on September 29 last year. It then reiterated its call to action to carry on with the working class' struggle against the loss of labor and social rights.