Spain: Unionized rail workers plan industrial action nationwide through at least late February /update 1

Unionized rail workers affiliated with The Workers' Commissions (Comisiones Obreras, CCOO) and General Union of Workers (Union General de Trabajadores, UGT) unions plan to strike through at least late February to request several concessions, including the implementation of a 35-hour work week.

The CCOO labor union has called for a 23-hour strike across Spain on Feb. 9 that will impact Renfe (the National Network of Spanish Railways) and AVE highspeed passenger rail transport nationwide. In Madrid, the industrial action will cause cancelations on Cercanias commuter trains during peak hours; over 1,000 mid-long-distance trains will be impacted. The UGT union stated their members will strike for two hours every Monday through February starting Feb. 12. Additionally, both CCOO and UGT have called for strikes from 07:00-09:00 and 15:00-17:00 on Feb. 16-17 on Radalies trains serving Catalonia.

Unless averted, the labor action will significantly disrupt rail transport services nationwide. However, the minimal service guarantee of Spain's Ministry of Transport will likely mitigate some rail disruptions. During the work stoppage, striking workers may also demonstrate at transport hubs, such as major railway stations or government offices. Lingering rail disruptions are possible after the strike concludes, as services return to normal.