The unions representing employees of Renfe and Adif have announced their intention to strike for seven days as they raise alarm over what they see as the government’s failure to uphold commitments made concerning the transfer of Rodalies services to the Generalitat of Catalonia. This impending strike, set for March and early April 2025, threatens to disrupt rail services and affect thousands of passengers across Spain.
The strikes are scheduled for March 17, March 19, March 24, March 26, March 28, April 1, and April 3, 2025. According to the unions, these actions are necessitated by the perceived disregard for agreements reached back in November 2023, when the Ministry of Transport, under the direction of Minister Óscar Puente, pledged to safeguard employees’ jobs during the transition of Rodalies services.
The unions, including Semaf, CCOO, UGT, CGT, SCF, and SF, argue the Ministry has breached these commitments, leading to widespread discontent among workers. Specific agreements were meant to allow the unions to have involvement and negotiation power about the transition plans, yet workers claim they’ve been left out of the decision-making process, merely receiving updates rather than being part of discussions.
“The general committees of the company believe these commitments have been violated...” the unions stated, underscoring their grievances over changes outlined after their last meeting with the Ministry. This meeting, held on February 17, 2025, revealed plans to exclude the R1 line from the network of public interest, significantly affecting the governance and operation of previously secure routes.
Further complicity of interests arises with plans to establish mixed ownership for various operational activities, something the unions have labeled as counterproductive. They opine, “This duplicity will impact economies of scale related to purchasing trains and safety operations,” warning about future inefficiencies and increased operational costs.
The unions are particularly concerned about how these amendments to existing conditions not only undermine service quality but also prompt unnecessary financial pressures. They insist the alternatives proposed by the Ministry, devised without their input, directly contravene the previously negotiated agreements. “The solutions proposed by the Ministry are diametrically opposed to what we had agreed upon,” they stated firmly.
Workers are worrying about the ramifications of the proposed plans, foreseeing possible worsened standards of safety and service for users of Rodalies. The R1 line, now at risk, has been supported by European Union funds aimed at enhancing railway interoperability—an investment the unions argue could lead to sanctions if the conditions are violated.
The situation stands not only as “a violation of the agreements” but as part of what the unions characterize as encroaching privatization efforts, particularly concerning Renfe Mercancías. The unions have launched accusations against the government of facilitating what they identify as “hidden privatization” through the creation of new corporate entities controlled by logistic companies, like MSC. “We notice increasing deterioration within our public service due to the lack of supportive actions,” they assert.
The repercussions of this strike are expected to be significant. Passengers, especially those who rely on Rodalies, can anticipate severe delays, cancellations, and disruption to normal service frequencies. Reports indicate overcrowding might occur at various stations as services are reduced, exacerbated by established minimum service levels during disputes—which often fall short of ensuring adequate service to the traveling public.
Authorities are preparing for the challenge, outlining measures aimed at sustaining some level of service to minimize disruption. Yet, historical precedent suggests these basic provisions may not fulfill the usual demand, raising concerns among the commuters who depend on rail transport.
Throughout these trying circumstances, Renfe has expressed commitment to uphold the right to strike and emphasized their desire for dialogue with the listing unions. The operator has underscored the priority to explore pathways to negotiate satisfactorily with union representatives, with the hope of dissolving planned strikes to prevent any adverse impact on daily commuters.
Transport Minister Óscar Puente now faces growing scrutiny—his leadership is under pressure to rediscover fruitful negotiations and maintain commitments made 15 months ago. Observers will undoubtedly be watching closely how this dispute evolves and whether resolutions can restore confidence among both railway workers and the anxious passengers waiting for their trains.