Train strike paralyzes Spain for several days

There will be significant disruptions to rail traffic in Spain in the coming weeks: Employee representatives of the railway companies Renfe and Adif have announced a seven-day series of strikes scheduled for mid-March and early April. The protest stems from the planned transfer of the Rodalies regional train system in Catalonia to the Generalitat, the Catalan regional government.

The unions criticize the Spanish government for failing to uphold agreements made in 2023. Specifically, they argue that they were excluded from negotiations regarding the reorganization of the workforce that will be employed by the new operator in the future.

The planned days of strike action are March 17, 19, 24, 26 and 28, and April 1 and 3, as reported in the newspaper «El País». They coincide with busy days, such as the Fallas festivities in Valencia, which attract many travelers.

The main demand of the unions is to guarantee that the jobs and working conditions of Renfe and Adif employees will remain unchanged even after the handover of the network. They are demanding a clear assurance from the Spanish Ministry of Transport that there will be no deterioration in working conditions or cuts in the operation of Rodalies and Renfe Mercancías.

The impending strikes are likely to lead to major disruptions to rail services in Spain, particularly in Catalonia. Travelers should inform themselves about alternative transportation options in good time or adjust their travel plans.