Renfe Train Unions Suspend Strike After Deal with Spain's Transport Ministry
Unions CCOO, UGT, and SEMAF halt action after four-hour talks, securing 50%+ rail maintenance boost, safety upgrades, and hiring pledges for service.
Key Points
- Strike suspended post four-hour meeting; normal services resume Thursday.
- Govt pledges >50% maintenance investment, infrastructure, safety, hiring.
- 955 trains canceled over three days, major impacts in Catalonia and Madrid.
- Deal hailed 'historic' by SEMAF for staff and safety reforms.
Renfe train drivers' unions have suspended their strike after reaching an agreement with Spain's Transport Ministry, paving the way for normal rail services to resume on Thursday.
The unions CCOO, UGT, and SEMAF announced the decision following a four-hour meeting shortly after the strike began at midnight on Monday. The action, originally scheduled through February 11, had caused widespread cancellations and delays across high-speed lines, medium-distance services, and commuter networks in Catalonia and Madrid. Under the pact, the government committed to increasing rail maintenance investment by more than 50%, with approval from the Finance Ministry, alongside pledges for enhanced infrastructure, safety measures, and additional hiring.
SEMAF general secretary Diego Martín described the deal as "historic for rail," noting it addresses demands for more staff and better safety protocols. Transport Minister Óscar Puente plans further talks to finalize details, aiming for full service restoration tomorrow.
The strike, which disrupted travel nationwide including Catalonia, saw Renfe cancel 955 trains over three days, with 683 on medium-distance and commuter routes. Early impacts included long queues and suppressed services at stations such as Sants, Girona, Mataró, Tàrrega, Vilanova i la Geltrú, and Fabra i Puig. Renfe reported 11.6% adherence among morning shifts (11.2% including nights), while SEMAF claimed 100% participation among members, attributing minimum service shortfalls to scheduling issues. The company acknowledged gaps, offered free ticket changes or cancellations, and provided a website for checking affected trains.
Catalonia's Territory Minister Sílvia Paneque had criticized Renfe for non-compliance and called for alternative transport options, while respecting the right to strike.
The walkout followed recent disruptions in Catalonia, exacerbated by the fatal Gelida accident, with unions seeking broader safety and management reforms.
Original Sources
This article was aggregated from the following Catalan-language sources: