Overview
- The Sindicato Español de Maquinistas Ferroviarios (Semaf) has scheduled a 24‑hour national strike of Renfe train drivers for October 29 to press safety and staffing demands.
- Spain’s Ministry of Transport set nationwide servicios mínimos that require about 65% of medium‑distance trains, 73% of long‑distance/high‑speed trains, 75% of commuter services at peak and 50% off‑peak to run, and 26% of freight services.
- The Generalitat of Catalonia issued its own minimums for Rodalies and regional trains at 66% in peak hours and 33% off‑peak, with flexibility to allocate those services by operational need.
- Semaf says the strike responds to an 'administrative blockade' that has stalled binding protocols on weather emergencies, hiring of new drivers, response to collisions and rolling‑stock reliability.
- Renfe counters that it has met prior commitments and that many union demands exceed the operator’s competences, leaving unresolved disputes that could keep transport and regulatory issues on the political agenda.