Key facts
- Renfe cancelled 320 trains on Monday, June 29, due to a 24-hour strike by the Railway Union (SF).
- The strike impacts high-speed, regional, and commuter rail services during the start of the summer holiday travel period.
- Minimum service levels ensure 73% of high-speed/long-distance trains, 65% of regional trains, and 50% of commuter trains operate.
- Affected passengers can rebook or cancel tickets free of charge.
- A second 24-hour strike is scheduled for July 15.
- The dispute centers on the future of Renfe Mercancías, the company's freight subsidiary, and a proposed joint venture with Medway.
Renfe, Spain's national railway company, has cancelled 320 trains on Monday, June 29, as a 24-hour strike called by the Railway Union (SF) disrupts services. The walkout coincides with the start of the summer holiday travel period, impacting high-speed, regional, and commuter routes.
Despite the strike, minimum service levels mandated by the Ministry of Transport will allow some operations to continue. On high-speed and long-distance routes, 73% of services, or 262 trains, are scheduled to run. Regional services will see 65% of their usual timetable maintained, with 420 trains operating. Commuter services will be the most affected, with activity cut in half, running only during peak hours.
Passengers affected by cancellations can opt to travel on the next available train or receive a free ticket change or refund. The list of cancelled services is available on Renfe's website.
This Monday's strike is the first of two planned 24-hour stoppages, with the second scheduled for July 15. The core of the dispute lies with Renfe Mercancías, the company's freight division. The union accuses the company of "premeditated abandonment" of the subsidiary and opposes the creation of a joint venture with Medway, a company belonging to the MSC group. The union also cites the outsourcing of maintenance for 65 locomotives and the planned closure of a workshop in Miranda de Ebro as reasons for the industrial action.