Strike Days in Spain and Italy Could Strand Rail Travelers

Travelers in southern Europe face two rounds of strikes this week. In Spain, the drivers’ union SEMAF is holding a 24-hour strike on Thursday, October 29, against Renfe, the national operator. The union cites railway safety, working conditions and unfulfilled commitments, while Renfe says it has met its obligations under a February agreement.

The government has set minimum service levels of 73 percent of Renfe’s high-speed and long-distance trains and 65 percent of its medium-distance trains. Ouigo drivers plan a separate 24-hour stoppage on Friday, October 30, over working conditions, which means the rival high-speed option is not a safe fallback.

Italy adds to the squeeze on October 30 with a nationwide general strike that includes transportation workers. Rail workers are due to walk out from 9 p.m. Thursday until 8:59 p.m. Friday, and air travel could be disrupted. Ground-handling staff at Florence and Pisa airports plan their own separate 24-hour strike.

Delays and cancellations are possible in both countries. Passengers with tickets on those dates should check whether their specific train appears on a guaranteed-service list, and anyone connecting between rail and a flight may want to build in extra time or travel a day earlier.

Sources: WFMD, Travel Monitor