The SEMAF union has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike on October 29, 2026, involving train drivers across all companies within the Renfe Group. The industrial action will run from 00:01 to 23:59 local time and will affect Renfe’s entire network, including AVE high-speed, Avlo, long-distance, regional, and Cercanías commuter trains, such as Rodalies services in Catalonia.
Failed negotiations and union demands
The strike follows unsuccessful talks over the implementation of previously agreed railway safety measures. SEMAF demands progress on several issues including operational safety, staffing levels, procedures for severe weather, psychological support for drivers after incidents, and the reliability of rolling stock. The union criticized
insufficient fulfillment of these safety commitments agreed earlier in 2026.
Renfe’s response and recruitment efforts
Renfe contests the union’s claims, stating it has met its responsibilities under a February 9 agreement. The operator has conducted recruitment efforts, hiring up to 1,200 employees, and advanced 17 out of 24 safety measures not directly under its control, including maintenance improvements. Renfe noted some remaining demands require decisions by regulatory bodies, limiting its authority to resolve them unilaterally.
Travel disruption and passenger rights on October 29
Passengers should expect potential cancellations and reduced service levels on October 29 across all Renfe networks, with impacts depending on minimum service obligations set by Spanish authorities. Ticket holders for
that day may request changes or refunds without extra charges if their trains are affected. Renfe advises passengers not to cancel tickets prematurely, especially non-refundable fares, until official service status updates are confirmed. Travelers should monitor Renfe announcements for cancellations and revised timetables.
Ouigo strikes follow with additional industrial action
The SEMAF union has also scheduled separate strike actions for Ouigo high-speed train drivers on October 30 and November 2 as full-day stoppages, along with partial strikes on November 6, 9, and December 4 and 8, 2026. Ouigo operates routes connecting Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, and Málaga. These strikes coincide with the busy All Saints’ holiday
travel window, overlapping with Renfe’s industrial action and potentially increasing travel disruption.
The strikes have already limited Renfe’s ability to add extra trains after a Copa del Rey football match, demonstrating operational constraints due to industrial action during the high-demand Halloween and early November period.
