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Train Strike Sept 29

I just read in a Spanish newspaper that the trains are going on strike Sept 29, affecting long and short distance trains. Since we are due to travel via train that day can someone in the know there in Spain help us out. I already have booked my tickets. I realize that it may be resolved by then BUT if it isn't what are our alternatives. We are due to travel via AVE from Madrid to Malaga. Since I won't have internet up until then, trying to weigh all my options.

When they call a strike, is it ALL trains, or a hit and miss approach (some trains at random)? How does one determine if the train I'm to be on is affected? What bus lines go directly to Malaga? Do buses leave from the bus terminal near Atocha? Where can I get more information before I leave for Spain? If our train is affected, do I get my money refunded? If so, what is the procedure? I know it can all change, and hopefully it does, but trying to get my ducks all in a row "just in case". Thanks for any local Spanish help

Posted by
2949 posts

Well, not quite the "Spanish help" you asked --things and laws are not always exactly the same here in Catalonia and you're referring to a train service elswhere in Spain-- but in principle, you should know that strikes in services deemed "of public interest", such as train transportation or emergency services, for example, are never "full strikes" -that'd be illegal. When a strike in such services is called, the appropriate authority (the government of the autonomous community affected or the national government... depending on different variables of no concern here and now) declares a "minimum level of service" (servicios mínimos) that has to be offered so as not to collapse the region/country or as to endanger the population beyond reasonable parameters (ie emergency services) while preserving, at the same time, the workers' right to strike -which is enshrined in the Spanish Constitution.

Thus, in train transportation, this normally translates to a % of trains of that day that have to be working and at certain time bands. So, for example, this might turn in that there'll be 50% of the normal trains during rush hours from 6-9am and from 7-9pm, and 33% for the rest of the day (that's 1 in 3 working). There can be different %s for commuting and for long distance trains. Commuter trains always have a minimum service, long distance trains "almost" always.

These %s are established on a case by case basis, that is, for every strike and only after the unions have officially convoked the strike -which is done by the unions presenting a form to the Gov Registry indicating the reasons for the strike and the dates proposed. Then, the proper authority defines which should the "servicios mínimos" be for each of the proposed dates.

So far, as far as I know, the unions have not yet "formalized" the strike... they've only announced the intention to do so. Therefore, until the strike is not "official", so to speak, there'll be no minimum service level announced. In principle, if we're talking about a strike at the end of this month, I would imagine that if it "has to be" then it'll be formalized within a few days or so (as each step of the process has its tempo). The only information available as of today only indicates that a 1-day strike is being "considered": https://economia.elpais.com/economia/2017/09/05/actualidad/1504613705_028880.html

Probably this isn't helping you much, but at least you know the background of striking here.

Posted by
53 posts

Planning for the worst but hoping for the best. IF my train should happen to be the one that is scratched that day,
1. Can I use that same ticket to board another train OR do I lose that ticket OR do I have to go to a window and get a new one? My tickets are second class, non-refundable but hey, it would be their fault for cancelling, not my missing the train.
2. Does Renfre put you on a bus if that train is cancelled?
3. . Is there a bus leaving from Atocha to Malaga?

I appreciate any clarification beyond the helped info given to me by Enric from Barcelona. Thank you

Posted by
16894 posts

In case of strike, it would be useful to go to the station early, especially if you have not learned ahead of time which departures are scheduled to run. The railway won't operate a bus or other alternate service for a strike; that's just when they officially plan line construction or a track washes out.

If your train is cancelled you're entitled to a refund. In the days before so many train-specific tickets, you could use your same ticket on another train. But now I think you'll have to exchange it at a ticket window or get it endorsed and stamped by an agent for use at a new time.

Just a day or two in advance, you could search for "essential" or minimum service plans. Renfe doesn't have a dedicated page for that, as far as I can find.

Interbus has an afternoon and a midnight departure on Fridays. If you can get a train as far as Cordoba, you could switch to an Alsa bus (www.alsa.es/en). But it seems more likely that you'll just change your train time, if necessary.

Posted by
358 posts

I have a similar situation, arriving in Madrid on Sept 29, and had planned to go to Valencia by train the same day.
So decided to fly instead, Air Europa. Looking at Google Flights there are many flights to Malaga from Madrid ranging from $41 to $160 with different airlines and departure times.
Arrival in Valencia is about the same as by train, and Ave tickets are not much less than my flight.