Rail transport across Spain will be severely disrupted this month as staff begin a work stoppage tomorrow (Friday). Hundreds of trains were canceled throughout February, including long- and medium-distance Renfe services. Workers at Spain's state-owned operator Renfe announced strikes at several points throughout the month. Travelers are advised to check on company websites whether their trip will be affected.
When Will Railway Workers Strike in Spain in February?
The strike by railway workers in Spain will have a serious impact on train services connecting popular tourist destinations and major cities. The first industrial action, called by Spanish union CCOO, will begin on Friday 9 February and will result in a 23-hour shutdown and the cancellation of 310 long- and medium-distance Renfe trains, including high-speed AVE trains. Additionally, 330 long-distance trains and 641 medium-distance trains will also be canceled. A skeleton service will still be in operation, which the Spanish Ministry of Transport has confirmed is a legal obligation and will likely reduce the number of cancellations. Cercanías suburban trains in Madrid will also experience cancellations on Friday due to the strike. During peak times, only 75 percent of normal service is expected to operate.
Staff at Renfe and Adif, Spain's rail infrastructure manager, have already warned that they will strike at various points throughout this month. UGT, another of Spain's leading unions, has confirmed that there will be partial disruptions in 12-hour periods across the country every Monday this month, on 19, 26 and 2 February, which will affect transport. Both the UGT and CCOO called for a work stoppage on Catalonia's Rodalies trains between 16 and 17 a.m. and 7 and 9 p.m. on 3 and 5 February. Unions say the strike was called after a 35-hour working week in Adif and that the elimination of income categories was not introduced in Renfe.
Spain Strike: Passenger Rights If Your Train Is Canceled
If your train is canceled, you have several options within your passenger rights. Renfe said it would offer affected passengers alternative tickets for services as close as possible to the departure time of their original trip. Travelers can also choose to cancel their tickets and receive a refund or choose an alternative service of their choice.