No trains ran on Madrid’s C-3 line during the reported strike. Services on C-4 and C-5 were also suspended, while Renfe operated some trains on C-1, C-2, C-7, C-8 and C-10. The first 24-hour stoppage began at midnight on 10 November and affected Renfe group driving staff; Semaf had also called a strike for 12 November.
In parts of Catalonia, the disruption exceeded the planned minimum service, according to Rodalies, which said the requirements had not been met. Renfe also set up a system on its website for passengers to obtain travel certificates. EFE reported Renfe’s complaint that minimum-service levels in Catalonia were not being observed.
The Catalan government published its minimum-service arrangements on 6 November. For Rodalies and Regional services on 10 November, they required 66% of normal service during peak periods, from 6am to 9.30am and from 5pm to 8.30pm, and 33% during the rest of the day. The Transport Ministry’s separate national framework set Cercanías minimum services at 75% during peak times and 50% for the rest of the day. The Catalan arrangements also required staff to respond to breakdowns, carry out urgent maintenance that could not be postponed and keep railway-management centres operating.
Minimum services were set at 65% for Media Distancia trains. High-speed and long-distance services were covered at 72%, while freight traffic had a 20% requirement, figures reported by RTVE. The Catalan government also set separate arrangements for 12 November, including 66% service between 6.20am and 9.20am and 33% in several later time windows.
Semaf called the stoppage over what it described as unfulfilled commitments to strengthen railway safety and maintenance, as well as staffing. The agreements at issue were signed by unions and the Government in February. After a second meeting with Carlos Cuerpo, then acting head of the Transport Ministry, the union kept its strike call in place. Semaf has also sought new procedures for operating during weather alerts, better coordination between control centres and trains in hazardous situations, and proper application of driving-time limits.
Renfe said passengers could change or cancel reservations free of charge on all its trains, including services protected by minimum-service rules. The operator said it would contact affected passengers by SMS or email using the details linked to their bookings.
