Spain train drivers strike deepens after fatal derailments

Spain train drivers strike plans have been set out by the drivers’ union SEMAF after a week of back-to-back fatal rail accidents, with the union warning of an “unacceptable deterioration” in rail safety, as reported by RailTech.

No date has been announced, and SEMAF says the move is meant as a warning aimed at securing binding safety commitments.

This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

SEMAF said its executive committee approved a general railway strike to give “legal standing and protection” to worker and passenger mobilisations calling for stronger guarantees on network safety and reliability. It is also seeking criminal accountability where safety failings are established, and it is opposing the reopening of the Rodalies commuter network in Catalonia without additional safeguards.

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SEMAF nationwide strike Spain: demands and safety conditions

The warning comes after Tuesday’s derailment near Gelida on the Rodalies commuter network, which killed a Rodalies driver and injured dozens. With the incident occurring days after Spain’s deadliest rail crash in a decade, SEMAF urged a full halt to commuter services in Catalonia. It also advised drivers not to resume journeys and recommended operating below permitted speeds wherever weather or infrastructure conditions pose risks.

Rodalies commuter network Catalonia suspended as Adif inspects lines

Infrastructure manager Adif has suspended Rodalies services across Catalonia while inspections are carried out, as noted by Catalan News. The halt follows a second, storm-related derailment on the commuter network the previous day, although there were no injuries.

Another major rail union, CCOO, has backed SEMAF’s stance and warned it will also pursue strikes or other pressure measures if “real and effective” safety actions are not taken. It is calling for a thorough investigation and clearer coordination protocols between Adif, Renfe and civil protection authorities.

On Wednesday, Transport Minister Óscar Puente offered condolences and said he understood the emotional impact on drivers after the deaths. He added that the ministry would “sit down to talk” with SEMAF in an effort to stop the industrial action from going ahead.

Adamuz high-speed collision Andalusia adds pressure on rail safety

The strike warning comes days after the Adamuz high-speed collision in Andalusia, described as Spain’s deadliest rail crash in more than a decade. The incident killed at least 42 people and injured more than 100, and investigations are ongoing.

In response, Adif has imposed temporary speed restrictions on parts of the Madrid–Barcelona high-speed corridor since the crash, adjusting the measures as inspections continue, according to Reuters.

Puente urged caution against speculation, described the Adamuz crash as “tremendously strange”, and said the government would review safety arrangements on the high-speed network once investigators establish what happened.

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