A 24-hour rail strike scheduled for July 15, 2026, in Spain will lead to the cancellation of 328 trains, including 94 high-speed and long-distance trains out of 343 scheduled and 234 medium-distance trains from 650 planned, according to the Sindicato Ferroviario union.
Minimum Service Levels and June 29 Strike Participation
The Spanish Ministry of Transport mandated minimum service levels of 66% for medium-distance trains and 73% for high-speed trains during the strike. Renfe reported that during a previous strike on June 29, 2026, only 1.83% of workers participated, allowing operations to continue “normally across most of the rail network.”
Strike Cause and Union Complaints
The Spanish Railway Union initiated the strike in protest
against alleged infringements of an agreement reached in November 2023 between the Ministry of Transport and Renfe workers. The unions oppose the creation of a joint venture involving Renfe Mercancías freight services with Medway, part of the MSC group, citing job protection concerns and accusing Renfe of abandoning the freight branch. They warn this situation generates uncertainty for the workforce without guarantees.
Passenger Advice and Legal Action
Passengers with tickets affected by the July 15 strike can change or cancel their bookings without additional fees through official Renfe channels. The unions have accused Renfe of illegal acts to hinder the free exercise of strike rights
and announced intentions to take legal action to defend workers and union protections.
Geographic Impact
Cancellations are expected to impact major rail corridors connecting cities and regions such as Madrid, Asturias, Cantabria, Galicia, Castilla y Leon, Sevilla, Cadiz, Malaga, Valencia, Murcia, and Zaragoza, disrupting travel across Spain.
