PSA: Potential Renfe strike during Semana Santa

Posted by Carlos (Barcelona + Sweden) on 04/10/19 05:12 PM

Hi all, thought I would pass on this info I saw in the Spanish newspaper today.

Looks like regional airline pilots with Air Nostrum will strike April 15, 16, 17, 22, 23 and 24. More importantly about 60,000 Renfe workers plan to strike on April 23, which is the day many people will return home via train from the holidays. Negotiations are ongoing and the Renfe strike may yet be averted.

Here is the English language version of the article: https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/04/09/inenglish/1554823743_336722.html

Posted by heather

Chicago

04/10/19 06:15 PM

2047 posts

It's pretty much an annual event that there will be threats for strikes around Easter. One wonders if the national elections will have an impact on negotiations.

Posted by Wendy

Iowa

04/10/19 06:45 PM

12 posts

Thanks for sharing this information, Carlos. We have Renfe tickets from Cordoba to Barcelona on April 23, so I’ll be hopeful that the ongoing negotiations are successful (for all.) Any thoughts on the likelihood of a strike? Should I consider a change in our plans that day?

Posted by Carlos OP

Barcelona + Sweden

04/10/19 06:57 PM

4180 posts

This threat of strike seems fairly apolitical, I am no expert, but usually the government is able to maintain the majority of services either though a decree or some kind of fail-safe deal. I would not cancel any plans/tickets just yet, there may be some unexpected delays, but in the end you will go where you need to go.

As for the elections on the 28th, that is another story... though I was able to secure my "right to vote" via the Los Angeles consulate. Spanish expats have to "request" the right to vote every year for elections back home. There's actually some controversy going on now about this with a class action lawsuit in the works.