Spain’s Railway Union has announced a 24-hour strike on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, which will lead to the cancellation of 328 train services nationwide. The stoppage follows a similar strike held on June 29, 2026.
Minimum Service Requirements and Cancelled Trains
The Spanish Ministry of Transport has mandated minimum service levels during the strike, requiring at least 66% operation of medium-distance trains and 73% of high-speed trains. Out of 343 scheduled high-speed and long-distance trains, 94 will be affected by cancellations. Additionally, 234 medium-distance trains out of 650 scheduled on that day will be cancelled.
Background of the Dispute and Previous Strike Participation
The strike action is a continuation of industrial unrest from June
29, when strike participation was recorded at just 1.83%. Renfe reported that this low participation allowed trains to operate “normally across most of the rail network.” The union, however, has accused Renfe of breaching agreements made in November 2023 regarding worker conditions and opposes the planned joint venture between Renfe Mercancías and Medway, part of the MSC group. The union describes the situation as a “serious threat” to Renfe’s workforce and alleges Renfe “acted illegally to prevent the free exercise” of the strike, with legal action planned to defend workers’ rights.
Passenger Information and Ticket Policies
Passengers scheduled to travel on July 15 are advised
to check the status of their trains before departure. Those affected by cancellations may change their tickets to alternative services or dates without additional fees. Ticket cancellations can also be made without extra costs through official Renfe channels.
Official Statements from Renfe and the Railway Union
Renfe emphasized the low strike participation on June 29, confirming that services ran “normally across most of the rail network.” In contrast, the Railway Union criticized Renfe’s actions as illegal in attempts to block the strike and affirmed their intention to seek legal protection for workers’ fundamental right to strike.
