Spain’s Train Strike Is Set, but Nobody Knows How Many Will Run

Spain’s train drivers’ union Semaf has called a 24-hour strike across the Renfe Group on October 29, running from one minute past midnight to 23:59. It covers all driving staff, which means commuter lines known as Cercanias, Catalonia’s Rodalies network, Media Distancia regional trains, long-distance services and high-speed trains are all in play. Commuter and Rodalies services can face significant cuts or cancellations depending on how many drivers walk out.

The uncertainty is the headline. Minimum service levels, the share of trains the government requires to keep running during a strike, had not been decided when the strike was announced. Until they are published, travelers cannot know which AVE or regional departures will survive. Anyone with a ticket for that day should watch Renfe’s channels and consider a flexible rebooking rather than gambling on a skeleton timetable.

Semaf says talks have stalled over railway safety, weather-emergency protocols, hiring of new drivers, support for staff after accidents and run-overs, and train reliability. Renfe argues it has met the commitments of a February agreement, including recruiting up to 1,200 additional staff, and that many remaining issues are outside its direct control.

The disruption may not stop there. Drivers at the private operator Ouigo, also represented by Semaf, have a full 24-hour strike on October 30, with further walkouts on November 2, and Spanish reports describe further stoppages stretching into December. Anyone planning a long weekend by rail around the end of October and early November should have a backup plan.

Sources: Euro Weekly News, El Democrata