Spain: Unionized rail workers to strike nationwide Dec. 23-25

Rail workers affiliated with the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) union plan to strike across Spain 00:01 Dec. 23-23:59 Dec. 25. The purpose of the work stoppage is to demand higher salaries and to denounce alleged efforts by high-speed rail operator Iryo to effectively ban its employees from participating in strike actions. The work stoppage is slated to follow related protests in Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, Seville, and Valencia on Dec. 19 and precede a related strike planned for Dec. 30-Jan. 1.

Rail transport disruptions are likely nationwide. Striking workers may picket at rail transport hubs; police will likely deploy nearby to facilitate any demonstrations that take place. Protests may cause localized road transport disruptions.