The train drivers are on strike after the train service crisis

The main trade unions in the railway sector (CCOO, UGT and Semaf) have called for a three-day strike this week, from 9 to 11 February, after the last meeting with the Spanish Transport Minister, Oscar Puente, ended without agreement.

The spokespersons for the three trade unions stated that they have not specifiedthemeasures they are calling for, either in terms of budgets or security, but acknowledged that they are implementing some specific changes.

"From the Ministry of Transport we will always remain at the negotiating table and continue to work, together with workers' representatives, to reach an agreement," said Spanish Government sources.

The unions are calling for a change in the railway model and for the restoration of safety standards, following the latest rail accidents that resulted in 47 deaths, the suspension of the high-speed train to Andalusia and the paralysis of the Rodalies service in Catalonia for several days.

In addition to Adifi and Renfe, the strike will affect private passenger and freight transport services, private operators such as Iryo and Ouigo, and freight transport or logistics services companies such as Medway, Captrain, Transervi, Redalsa, Tracción Rail or Logirail, etc.

The Government has establishedminimum servicesof 50% in the peak hours  and 25% in the rest of the day on the five commuter lines of Bilbao and San Sebastiánfor the three strike days called bythe unions of the railway sector  on 9, 10 and 11 February.

Inthe rest of the Spanish State, except in Catalonia,the Ministryof Transport  has established minimum services affecting medium and long distance trains departing or arriving from the Basque Country and Navarre.

The Ministry has established minimum services of 73 per cent at high speed and long distance, 75 per cent in peak hours and 50 per cent in the rest, 65 per cent in medium distance and 21 per cent in goods.