Train unions call off Renfe and Adif strike set to start Monday

On Sunday evening, the majority of the largest labor unions at Spain’s public train operator, Renfe, and public rail infrastructure manager, Adif, called off a planned statewide strike. The strike, originally set to take place over seven days in March and April, was scheduled to begin on Monday, March 17.  

The actions had originally been called in response to what the unions saw as breaches of agreements signed in 2023. These had been reached in order to call off another strike related to the transfer of the Catalan commuter rail service, Rodalies, to Catalonia and concerns over the “privatization” of freight transport.  

According to the original deal, Renfe and Adif were to continue providing service to Rodalies, but unions expressed doubt and called for a strike. 

On Sunday, the parties reached a new agreement, stipulating that Renfe Viajeros will hold a majority stake in the capital of the new company that will manage Rodalies, while the Catalan government will control the board of directors. This was confirmed to Catalan media on Sunday by the Spanish transport secretary, José Antonio Santano. 

This model will “guarantee the rights of Renfe and Adif workers” when the new company is created “later this year,” while the Catalan commuter rail service will be managed “locally”, explained Santano.