Regional rail operator Euskotren launched two-hour stoppages at the morning and evening peaks on Tuesday, 15 September, after mediation talks with the LAB union collapsed. The industrial action affects all Euskotren services, including the Bilbao-San Sebastián line, Line 3 of Metro Bilbao, tram networks in Bilbao and Vitoria-Gasteiz, and linked bus routes. Further stoppages are scheduled for 17, 21 and 23 September. The Basque Government has issued a minimum-service order guaranteeing 50 percent of trains during strike windows, but early-morning services saw cancellations of up to 60 percent and crowding on those trains that did run. Business travellers heading to technology parks in Zamudio and Hernani reported journey times rising from 35 to 70 minutes. Renfe long-distance trains are not directly affected but have experienced knock-on delays as passengers switched modes. Employers across the Basque Country are activating flexible-working policies and urging staff to stagger hours or work remotely. Hotels in central Bilbao report a spike in last-minute bookings from consultants who would usually commute from San Sebastián. Logistics firms warn that evening freight slots could also be squeezed if passenger trains are rescheduled. The union is demanding a 6.5 percent pay rise and additional rest days, arguing that staffing levels have not kept pace with post-pandemic ridership growth, which now exceeds 2019 figures by 9 percent. Management says it cannot exceed the public-sector wage cap and insists that service reliability must take priority. Talks are expected to resume on 24 September, but further strike notices could follow if no deal is reached. Travellers with tight connections to Bilbao Airport or the French high-speed TGV at Hendaye should allow extra transfer time or consider coach alternatives. Discounted day passes on municipally operated Bilbobus and Dbus services will be honoured for Euskotren ticket-holders during strike periods.
