Else Beekman
A major road transport strike has been called by Spain’s CCOO and UGT unions, set to begin on October 28, potentially disrupting key shopping and travel periods such as Black Friday, the December long weekend, and even Christmas.
The strike is in response to the government’s and employers’ “systematic blockade” of requests to advance the retirement age for drivers, a demand that has been ongoing for over 20 years. It will impact both freight and passenger transport, with nearly half a million truckers and around 98,000 bus drivers expected to participate. The unions argue that the high accident rates and the physically demanding nature of the work justify the need for earlier retirement, which has been stalled by government inaction for more than a decade.
Key strike dates and industries affected
The strike will begin on October 28 and continue on several critical dates: November 11, 28, and 29; December 5 and 9. If no agreement is reached by then, an indefinite strike will start on December 23, which could disrupt Christmas travel and deliveries across Spain.
The strike affects all drivers in the road transport sector, including those operating light and heavy vehicles, passenger transport for more than 98,000 people, urban public transport, and medical transport services. The unions argue that they have exhausted all alternatives, including provincial and national demonstrations, and discussions with various ministries and political groups, but no solution has been found.
Impact on Daily Life and Major Events
The strike will likely have a significant impact on daily life in Spain. Those who rely on buses for their commute or who plan to take advantage of Black Friday deals may face severe delays. Packages ordered during the peak shopping period, including Amazon deliveries, are expected to experience significant disruptions.
If no agreement is reached by December, the consequences could be even more severe. Roads across Spain could be at a standstill, public road transport services could be paralyzed, and deliveries of goods and packages might come to a complete halt, leading to widespread disruption during the busy holiday season.
The unions are urging the government to take action to prevent this large-scale disruption, but as the strike dates approach, the possibility of a transport gridlock during some of the most crucial weeks of the year becomes increasingly likely.
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