Spain’s train drivers are going on strike on 10 and 12 November. In response, the Ministry of Transport has set a minimum rail service coverage during those days. Freight gets the smallest guarantee of all segments: only 20% of scheduled services must run.
The Spanish train drivers’ union Semaf organised the strike for Renfe staff. The Ministry of Transport has now defined the minimum services, Renfe announced. Only 20% of freight trains are required to run. By contrast, passenger services are much better protected. Commuter trains must run at 75% during peak hours and 50% during the rest of the day. Regional trains are set at an average of 65%, and high-speed and long-distance services at 72%.
The strike consists of a 24-hour strike on 10 November and partial stoppages on 12 November. In between falls a general strike on 11 November, which is not specific to the rail sector. As a result, rail operations face three consecutive days of industrial action.
Safety agreement at the heart
Semaf is organising the strike due to a dispute revolving around an agreement signed on 9 February with the ministry, Renfe and the Spanish infrastructure manager Adif. That deal cancelled the strikes planned for that month and set up working groups to develop new rules and operating procedures to improve safety. However, the meetings have been postponed since April and progress has been insufficient, the union said.
Semaf demanded protocols for emergencies and adverse weather, better protection for staff when trains hit people on the track, a review of driving times and fixes for technical faults on some trains. It also wants to shorten the period new drivers spend as trainees. The strike calendar does not end at 12 November. The Adif works council has agreed to strike on 17 November to demand changes to the rail model and urgent safety measures.