National rail operator Renfe reported that just 1.9 percent of its workforce observed today’s strike called by minority unions, down from 11.6 percent on Monday. Yet the low participation rate has not eliminated disruption: long-distance services on the north-east and Levante corridors and commuter lines in Málaga, Valencia and Asturias all saw cancellations, while Avant trains between Madrid and Castilla-León suffered delays.
Renfe insists it has re-accommodated passengers “where feasible” and accuses CGT, Alferro and Sindicato Ferroviario of exaggerating safety issues to gain visibility. The unions counter that management tried to “silence” workers by reallocating shifts and that private competitor Ouigo has been more respectful of the right to strike.
![Renfe says only 1.9 % of staff joined 11 February strike but cancellations persist nationwide]()
For corporate mobility teams the message is mixed. While the strike’s footprint has narrowed, unpredictability remains. Travellers with tight connections to flights or meetings should continue to build in buffer time or consider air shuttles between Madrid and Barcelona as a hedge until industrial relations stabilise.
The dispute also bleeds into Spain’s push to decarbonise business travel. Companies eager to shift employees from short-haul flights to high-speed rail face reputational risk when train reliability falters. Expect further calls for an independent safety watchdog and accelerated infrastructure upgrades funded under the EU’s Green Deal transport pillar.
Renfe insists it has re-accommodated passengers “where feasible” and accuses CGT, Alferro and Sindicato Ferroviario of exaggerating safety issues to gain visibility. The unions counter that management tried to “silence” workers by reallocating shifts and that private competitor Ouigo has been more respectful of the right to strike.
For corporate mobility teams the message is mixed. While the strike’s footprint has narrowed, unpredictability remains. Travellers with tight connections to flights or meetings should continue to build in buffer time or consider air shuttles between Madrid and Barcelona as a hedge until industrial relations stabilise.
The dispute also bleeds into Spain’s push to decarbonise business travel. Companies eager to shift employees from short-haul flights to high-speed rail face reputational risk when train reliability falters. Expect further calls for an independent safety watchdog and accelerated infrastructure upgrades funded under the EU’s Green Deal transport pillar.
Source: Europa Press
