The Spanish train drivers’ union SEMAF has postponed the strike at rail operator Renfe planned for Thursday, 12 November, until 23 November. This also cancels the announced walkout on local services in Madrid. The union said its decision was prompted by a government decree-law on railway safety and the social protection of employees.
The decision does not, however, mean that all trains will run without disruption. According to a report by elDiario.es, Madrid’s C-3 commuter rail line will be affected by a disruption on Thursday. Its trains will reportedly start and end their journeys at Atochastation. The disruption is separate from the cancelled strike; the report did not say how long it would last.
SEMAF had already announced the move on Tuesday evening. The union says it wants to allow time for talks on further outstanding safety measures, without giving up pressure on the government. It is maintaining the strike on 17 November as well as the new date of 23 November. According to the Europa Press news agency, the call for 17 November applies to the entire railway sector.
On Tuesday, 10 November, a train drivers’ strike had already significantly disrupted rail services. Renfe said the impact was particularly severe on local services in Madrid and Barcelona . The company put participation among employees eligible to strike, across all shifts, at 33.2 per cent. This figure comes from Renfe; it does not represent the proportion of trains cancelled.
The decree-law now adopted was published on 11 November in Spain’s Official Gazette and generally came into force that same day. According to the Official Gazette, the provision on calculating driving times will not apply until 11 May 2027. Among other things, the decree is intended to strengthen oversight of railway safety and extend social protection to employees of other railway companies.
SEMAF sees the decision as progress but is demanding further binding measures. The union had said the industrial dispute would continue until all agreed rules had been published. For passengers, this means the 12 November strike has been called off, but the later announced walkouts have not been cancelled.
Editor: Mira Cadena (Article created with AI assistance).