Else Beekman
Today marks the start of a widespread transport strike across Spain, as bus and urban transport drivers take action to demand earlier retirement rights. The strike, organised by unions, aims to address what they describe as long-standing issues with working conditions and insufficient retirement support in the transport sector.
Services are being reduced across the country, with minimal operations set to continue throughout the day. Here’s a breakdown of service impacts in major Spanish cities:
Why the strike?
Unions have pushed for improved retirement options since 2004, highlighting the physical and mental toll on bus drivers and other transport workers. Negotiations with employers recently collapsed, with unions accusing management of withdrawing from a promising agreement. Now, they seek reforms similar to those granted to goods transportation workers, who have benefitted from earlier retirement options and adjusted contributions.
If no deal is reached soon, more strike days are planned for November 11, 28, 29, December 5, and December 9, with potential for indefinite action starting December 23.
City-by-city breakdown of minimum services
- Barcelona: Urban and interurban bus services will run at 40% during peak hours (6.30 am – 9.30 am and 4.00 pm -8.00 pm) and at 20% during off-peak hours.
- Madrid: City buses (EMT) will operate at 75% during peak hours and 50% off-peak. Interurban buses will run at 80% during peak times and 45% in other slots.
- Málaga: Services will run at 50%, though several key lines, such as 27, 28, 29, 30, and 36, will operate at full capacity to ensure city connectivity.
- Murcia: Services reduced to 60% during peak hours (6.30 am – 9.00 am, 1.00 pm – 3.00 pm, and 7.00 pm – 9.00 pm) and 40% during other periods.
- Palma de Mallorca: 50% of services will operate. Additionally, a protest is planned outside the Balearic Transport Federation from 12.30 pm to 2.00 pm.
- Valencia: Urban and suburban transport services will operate at 55% during peak hours and 40% otherwise.
- Seville: Frequency for city buses reduced to every 10-25 minutes, with the most popular lines (e.g., C1, C2, 1, 2) maintaining services at 50%.
- Zaragoza: Routes with limited schedules (up to three trips daily) will maintain one round-trip, while frequent routes will run at 40%.
What’s next?
Today’s strike may be the first of several as negotiations remain deadlocked. Unions are calling for public support, noting the strike’s importance for future working conditions across Spain’s transport sector. Local governments are closely monitoring the situation, and public updates will be made as additional strikes approach