Spain: Road transport workers plan strike nationwide, Oct. 28 /update 1

Unionized road transport workers plan to strike nationwide on Oct. 28. The UGT and CCOO labor unions called for the action to demand lower retirement ages for salaried road haulage and bus drivers. Unionized taxi drivers also plan to join the action. Private passenger drivers may also join the strike. Salaried road haulage drivers had planned to strike as well but reached an agreement with the Spanish Confederation of Freight Transport (CETM) on Oct. 24 and called off the labor action. The labor unions plan for further strikes on Nov. 11, 28, and 29, Dec. 5 and 9, and from Dec. 23.

The bus and taxi strikes will likely prompt public transport disruptions and potential additional congestion for road users. Demand for alternative public transport will likely increase. Striking workers may form pickets at transport hubs and government buildings. In case of demonstrations, authorities might deploy additional security to monitor the pickets. Violence is not likely.