Overview
- The Sindicato Español de Maquinistas Ferroviarios (Semaf) has scheduled a 24‑hour nationwide strike for Thursday 29 October running from 00:01 to 23:59 to press safety, protocol and staffing demands.
- The Ministry of Transport ordered minimum services covering much of Spain with about 65% of medium‑distance trains, 73% of high‑speed and long‑distance services, 75% Cercanías in peak hours and 50% off‑peak, and 26% of freight services.
- The Generalitat de Catalunya set Rodalies minimums at 66% in peak hours and 33% the rest of the day, a regional decision that differs from the national percentages and shapes service levels around Barcelona.
- Renfe says it has met the commitments it can under prior agreements and argues many union demands fall outside the company’s powers, while Semaf insists measures remain blocked by other authorities.
- The dispute builds on post‑accident reforms and February and July accords over safety and staffing, and it could leave thousands of passengers facing altered schedules and slower freight movements on 29 October so travelers should check updated timetables.