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Renfe Strike Cancels 320 Trains and Forces Ministerial Minimum Services During Summer Travel

The walkout stems from union opposition to a proposed 50/50 joint company with Medway and plans to outsource maintenance, risking further disruption to summer travel.

Overview

  • The Sindicato Ferroviario called a 24‑hour strike that, on Monday 29 June, led Renfe to cancel 320 services across AVE, long‑distance and medium‑distance routes.
  • The Ministry of Transport ordered compulsory minimums that keep 73% of high‑speed/long‑distance trains, 65% of medium‑distance services and 75% of Cercanías at peak hours operational.
  • Renfe activated contingency rules allowing passengers to take the nearest available train or change or cancel tickets free of charge.
  • Impact varied by region because Catalonia and the Basque Country set their own minimums and Renfe reported very low strike uptake in Galicia (about 3%), where commercial services ran normally.
  • The dispute centres on Renfe Mercancías plans to form a 50/50 joint company with Medway and to externalise maintenance, unions say prior desconvocation agreements were breached, a second 24‑hour strike is set for 15 July and separate Adif copper‑theft incidents have added commuter delays.