The train drivers’ union SEMAF has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike across all Renfe Group companies for October 29, 2026, from 00:01 to 23:59 local time. This action will involve all train-driving personnel within Renfe, impacting services on the AVE high-speed network, long-distance, regional, and Cercanías commuter trains throughout Spain.
Cause of the Strike and Background
The strike follows unsuccessful negotiations over railway safety enhancements and operational commitments initially agreed upon in February 2026. SEMAF cites unresolved issues related to operational safety, staffing shortages, maintenance standards, extreme weather procedures, psychological support for train drivers, and rolling stock reliability. The union maintains that these commitments have been
delayed by administrative procedures involving various authorities and companies.
Renfe challenges these claims, asserting that it has met the majority of its February 9 agreement obligations. Renfe reports progress on 17 of 24 measures, focusing on recruitment efforts that include hiring up to 1,200 new employees and ongoing maintenance improvements. The company states that certain unresolved items are dependent on decisions outside its direct control.
Services Affected by the Strike
The strike will affect a broad scope of Renfe services, including the AVE and Avlo high-speed trains, long-distance routes, regional lines, and Cercanías commuter services such as Rodalies in Catalonia. Due to operational constraints from
the strike, planned additional late trains for supporters traveling on the Xerez-Cádiz Copa del Rey route were cancelled following the October 28 match.
At present, no nationwide cancellation schedule for October 29 has been confirmed. Authorities may designate minimum service levels to maintain essential operations despite the industrial action.
Official Statements and Union Positions
SEMAF issued its strike declaration on October 16, 2026, citing the lack of sufficient progress on safety and operational commitments as the reason for industrial action. Renfe responded the same day, emphasizing that it has fulfilled commitments under the February agreement and continues recruitment and maintenance efforts.
Separate from SEMAF’s action,
Ouigo train drivers have planned strikes starting October 30, with further stoppages on November 2, 6, 9, and December 4 and 8. The Ouigo strikes concern alleged breaches of the collective labor agreement and are independent of the Renfe strike on October 29.
Traveler Information and Refund Policies
Passengers with tickets for October 29 should monitor announcements from Renfe for potential cancellations or delays. Renfe has made clear that customers affected by cancellations or significant delays due to the strike may request refunds or change tickets without penalty. Travelers are advised to avoid cancelling tickets prior to confirmation to prevent losing non-refundable fares.
Authorities may
impose minimum service requirements to ensure some train operations continue during the strike period.
Holiday Timing and Separate Ouigo Strikes
The strike coincides with the Halloween and All Saints’ holiday travel period, a peak time for passenger demand. This timing increases the potential for disruptions affecting national rail travel.
Ouigo’s separate strike dates from October 30 through December 8 cover high-speed routes between Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, Seville, and Málaga. Travelers using other rail operators such as Iryo should not expect automatic cancellations attributable to these strikes but may face indirect effects.
