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Renfe train drivers strike in Spain over safety and labor disputes

Nationwide · pinned on Madrid, Spain · since Nov 10, 2026

Is it still on?

YESDay 1 and counting, since Nov 10.

Last report · checked

Summary in three lines

Why they are protesting
Train drivers are protesting to demand compliance with safety commitments and improvements to railway maintenance procedures.
What they want
The union demands the implementation of agreed-upon safety measures and changes to operational procedures.
What changed
Nov 10: Renfe reported a 19.6% strike participation rate, while authorities denounced a failure to meet mandated minimum service levels.
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Both sides

What protesters want

  • Compliance with rail safety commitments
  • Improved maintenance and safety procedures

Organised by: Sindicato Español de Maquinistas Ferroviarios (Semaf)

What authorities say

The Ministry of Transport established minimum service levels for the strike. Regional authorities in Catalonia and Madrid have criticized the failure to meet these minimums and announced investigations into the service disruptions.134

The full story

On November 10, 2026, train drivers represented by the Sindicato Español de Maquinistas Ferroviarios (Semaf) began a 24-hour strike across Spain, impacting Renfe services. The industrial action, which is part of a series of protests, aims to demand that the government and rail companies fulfill safety commitments established following recent rail accidents. The strike caused significant disruptions, particularly in the Cercanías network in Madrid and Rodalies in Barcelona, where many lines were paralyzed. Renfe and regional authorities reported that minimum service levels were not met, leading to widespread travel issues. The Ministry of Transport had previously set minimum service requirements for the strike days. Further industrial action is scheduled for November 12, with a broader sector-wide protest planned for November 17.

Timeline

  1. Renfe reported a 19.6% participation rate in the strike and accused the union of failing to meet mandated minimum service levels.45

  2. Renfe train drivers began a 24-hour strike, causing significant service cancellations and delays across the rail network.34

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