A series of strikes are set to disrupt rail services in Spain and Italy later this week.
In Spain, train drivers’ union SEMAF is calling for members who work for train operator Renfe to walk out from 00:01 to 23:59 on Thursday (29 October) in an ongoing dispute over safety standards on the country’s rail network.
Cancellations and delays are expected across Renfe’s network during the 24-hour strike. Although, the Spanish government has stipulated “minimum service” levels during this period. This will ensure that 73 per cent of Renfe’s high-speed and long-distance trains, and 65 per cent of medium-distance services, will operate as scheduled.
SNCF’s Ouigo train services in Spain are also facing a one-day strike by Spanish drivers on Friday (30 October), with SEMAF in dispute with the company over working conditions. Further one-day stoppages are planned by the union on 2, 6 and 9 November, as well as 4 and 8 December.
In Italy, trains and flights are expected to be impacted during a 24-hour national general strike on Friday (30 October).
Railway staff are due to walk out between 21:00 on 29 October and 20:59 on 30 October affecting Trenitalia and other train operators in Italy. Ground-handling staff at Pisa and Florence airports are also due to take part in this strike.
In France, the next major transport strike is scheduled to be held on 5 November with four unions calling for staff working at SNCF to walk out as part of a national strike in protest of the French government’s proposed 2027 budget.