Government sets minimum services during general strike

With a general strike against the Catalan independence trial looming on Thursday, the labor ministry has set the minimum services for public services around Catalonia in such areas as transport, health, social services and schools.

Catalonia's local rail services will run at a minimum of 33% throughout the day, with the Barcelona metro and the government's Ferrocarrils rail service operating at 25%, rising to 50% during peak times (6.30am to 9.30am and 5pm to 8pm).

In the area of health, emergency and intensive care services will operate normally, as will many surgical operations and essential treatments, such as radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

As for healthcare transport, emergencies requiring ambulances, as well as the transport of patients and medicines, will all be guaranteed.

Meanwhile, social services, such as the provision of meals, home help and care homes will work according to weekend and holiday timetables, with essential services guaranteed.

Schools, prisons and media

Schools will have one person from the management present and one teacher for every six classes, and one teacher for every four classrooms in special needs schools, with a third of the usual staff available for dining rooms, complementary school activities and nurseries.

Prisons will see staff working according to holiday timetables, with 50% of rehabilitation staff and 65% of office staff obliged to work, while duty courts will be fully operational.

As for public media, radio stations and television channels will have to ensure 50% of their usual news bulletins, with an obligation to broadcast essential information in the event of an emergency.

On highways, a third of staff at tolls and in vehicle recovery must be available, with the removal of vehicles that have broken down or been involved in accidents guaranteed.