The strike by train drivers called by the Spanish Railway Train Drivers’ Union (Semaf) is causing significant disruptions to the Madrid and Catalonia Suburban Rail Services.
In Madrid, the C-3, C-4 and C-5 lines have been left without service. On the C-1, C-2, C-7, C-8 and C-10 lines, only some specific trains run exceptionally.
Renfe has attributed the restrictions in Madrid to "failure to comply with the minimum services established for the strike day". Rodalies has circulated a message to the same effect: "Due to failure to comply with the minimum services established for today’s strike day, the trains are not providing the scheduled service".
The Ministry of Transport had set for Madrid Suburban Rail minimum services of 75% of the usual services during peak hours and 50% during the rest of the day. The sections with the highest demand are from 6.00 to 9.00 hours, from 13.30 to 15.30 and from 18.30 to 20.30.
In Catalonia, the Generalitat set minimums of 66% during peak hours and 33% during off-peak hours.
Semaf demands compliance with rail safety agreements
The Spanish Railway Train Drivers’ Union (SEMAF) has called work stoppages to demand that the Ministry of Transport and the main companies and public bodies in the sector comply with rail safety agreements. The organization places these demands at the center of the mobilization, which affects rail services during this Tuesday.
The call includes new strike days on Thursday 12 November. In addition, this Wednesday 11 will coincide with the general strike.
In Catalonia, the minimum services planned for Wednesday will be 25% during peak hours and circulation will be suspended during off-peak hours. For Thursday, the percentages established for this Tuesday will be restored: 66% in peak hour and 33% in off-peak hour.
Across the entire state Suburban Rail Services, Renfe has set for the general strike on Wednesday minimum services of 75% in the peak slots and 50% during the rest of the day.