The works committee of Adif has agreed to a strike for next November 17, according to different union sources who have confirmed it to EFE. The decision brings together CCOO, UGT, CGT, the Sindicato Ferroviario (SF) and the Sindicato de Circulación Ferroviario (SCF), the five organizations that make up the workers’ representative body.
The agreement has not yet become a formal call. The initial information also does not specify the strike hours, the minimum services, or possible impacts on train traffic.
The decision comes after the Urda (Toledo) rail accident and amid union demands to reinforce safety and protect the workforce. On November 17, it is also twelve days before the general elections of 29N.
What is known about Adif’s strike on November 17
The date agreed upon by the committee is Tuesday, November 17. The backing comes from the body that brings together the five trade union organizations, not only the Sindicato Ferroviario and the Sindicato de Circulación Ferroviario.
The next step pending is the formalization of the call. Until its conditions are specified, it cannot be determined which rail services would be affected or in what time slots.
The announcement also does not allow any train to be considered canceled. For travelers with tickets that day, the available information confirms the union agreement on the date, but it does not yet provide a list of services canceled or modified.
Unions demand safety and support for the workforce
The agreement comes after several days of union mobilization around the situation of the railway. In a statement of October 30, UGT called for extraordinary safety measures, more human and material resources, and responsibilities in company management.
The organization announced that it would promote the Adif and Renfe conflict committees and that it would seek a joint response with the rest of the unions. It also defended extending mobilizations to the different groups in the railway sector.
UGT rejected that responsibility for problems of organization, resources, or management be passed on to the workers. For its part, the general company committee of Adif released a statement and a letter in which it demanded respect for the workforce and a rigorous investigation of the Urda accident.
Renfe stoppages on November 10 and 12 are another call
Adif’s agreement is added to a calendar that already includes protests at Renfe. Semaf has called for two strike days for November 10 and 12: the first will involve full stoppages and the second, partial ones, according to what Europa Press reported.
The train drivers’ union demands compliance with the safety commitments signed in February with Transportes, Renfe and Adif. Among its demands are procedures for breakdowns and emergencies, protection of personnel, and solutions to technical deficiencies.
Renfe maintains that it has complied with the commitments that depended on the company and that the pending measures go beyond its powers. These Semaf calls are different from the agreement reached now by the Adif committee for day 17.
Timetables and trains affected, pending clarification
EFE’s initial information does not specify the duration of the Adif strike or how it will be distributed across shifts. It also does not include minimum services or a list of routes affected.
The scope of the stoppage for passengers remains pending the formal call and the information that the rail companies share about their services.