Spain’s Railway Union has announced a 24-hour strike on July 15, 2026, targeting Renfe workers and resulting in 328 train cancellations across the country’s network.
Train Cancellations and Minimum Service Levels
The Spanish Ministry of Transport has mandated minimum service levels for the strike day: 66% for medium-distance trains and 73% for high-speed trains. Out of 343 high-speed and long-distance trains scheduled, 94 are expected to be cancelled. For medium-distance services, 234 cancellations will occur from a total of 650 trains planned.
Background on Previous Strike and Union Claims
A similar strike held on June 29, 2026, led to a comparable number of train cancellations. However, service was largely maintained due to low
worker participation. Renfe reported only 1.83% of employees joined that stoppage, allowing operations to continue “normally across most of the rail network”. The Railway Union accused Renfe of illegal measures to block strike action and announced plans to pursue legal action to protect workers’ rights.
Disputes Over Agreements and Renfe Mercancías
The strike stems from unresolved disputes over agreements made in November 2023 between the Ministry of Transport and Renfe workers. The union opposes the creation of a joint venture between Renfe Mercancías and Medway, a company affiliated with the Swiss Italian MSC Group. The union claims Renfe has intentionally neglected its freight service, causing uncertainty
and posing a “serious threat” to its workforce without guarantees.
Travelers planning to use Renfe services on July 15, 2026, are advised to verify train status in advance. Renfe allows affected passengers to change tickets to alternative trains or dates without additional charges, or to cancel tickets free of cost through official channels.
