Spain: Metro unions organize strike in Madrid April 1 /update 2

Event

Unions representing Madrid Metro workers have organized a strike in four-hour shifts in the capital on Monday, April 1, to denounce the exposure of metro worker employees to asbestos. The metro strike is expected to run until 22:30 (local time). Slightly over half of Madrid Metro trains will be circulating on a regular schedule on Monday. Unions also called for demonstrations between 11:00 to 15:00 at the gates of the Juzgados de lo Social, located in the Plaza de los Cubos.

Metro train and other localized transportation disruptions are to be expected in Madrid over the coming hours.

Context

Madrid metro workers have been striking and protesting since June 2018 to demand that authorities implement appropriate measures for asbestos removal in the metro system. As of April 2019, four Metro workers have developed cancer as a result of their exposure to asbestos, two of whom have died.

The relatives of one of the metro workers, who died in October 2018 from his exposure to asbestos while on the job, filed a request for compensation. On April 1, the first trial against the Madrid Metro began in response to this request.

Advice

Individuals in Madrid are advised to monitor developments to the situation, prepare for related transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.