A nationwide rail strike in Spain this week will see hundreds of services cancelled.
The walkout, called by the Sindicato Ferroviario union for July 15, is expected to affect Renfe services across the country, with around 328 trains impacted.
The Ministry of Transport has imposed minimum service levels, meaning most trains will still run, but passengers on high-speed, long-distance and regional routes could face cancellations or timetable changes.
High-speed services affected
On Spain’s AVE and Long Distance network, 249 of the 343 scheduled trains will operate, meaning 94 services are not guaranteed.
Passengers travelling to or from major cities including Sevilla, Malaga, Cordoba and Granada are advised to check whether their train is running before heading to the station.
Regional trains
For Media Distancia (regional) services, minimum services have been set at 66%.
That means 426 of the 650 scheduled trains will run, while 234 services could be cancelled.
Stations including Sevilla Santa Justa, Malaga Maria Zambrano, Granada, Cadiz, Cordoba and Huelva may all experience disruption.
Cercanias commuter trains
Renfe’s Cercanias commuter network will continue operating at 75% of normal service during peak hours and 50% during the rest of the day.
The strike affects commuter networks in Sevilla, Malaga, Cadiz, Madrid, Valencia, Murcia, Zaragoza, Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia and Castilla y Leon.
Why are rail workers striking?
The action is the second strike organised by the Sindicato Ferroviario after a previous walkout on June 29.
The union is demanding improvements to working conditions and accuses the Ministry of Transport of failing to honour agreements reached with workers’ representatives in November 2023.
It has also criticised what it describes as the ‘deliberate abandonment’ of Renfe’s freight business, claiming it is being handed over to Medway, a subsidiary of shipping giant MSC.
Check before you travel
Although Renfe said the previous strike was supported by just 1.83% of its workforce, allowing most services to operate normally, passengers with tickets for July 15 are still being advised to check the status of their train before travelling.
Those whose services are cancelled or altered should monitor Renfe’s updates and contact the operator regarding available alternatives or ticket changes.
