Semaf Moves Renfe Train Drivers’ Strike From Nov. 12 to Nov. 23

The train drivers’ union Semaf has moved its strike at the Renfe Group from Thursday, Nov. 12, to Nov. 23. The union said it made the change after the Spanish cabinet approved a decree on rail safety that it says reopens negotiations with the government.

A separate strike called for Nov. 17 across the rail sector remains in place, according to both Metrópoli Abierta and La Vanguardia.

Why Semaf postponed

The Sindicato Español de Maquinistas Ferroviarios (Semaf, the Spanish train drivers’ union) pointed to the Real Decreto-ley (royal decree-law) on urgent measures to strengthen operational safety in rail transport and the social protection of rail professionals. The Consejo de Ministros (Spanish cabinet) approved it on Tuesday, according to La Vanguardia. Reports differ on when Semaf announced the postponement: Metrópoli Abierta says Monday, while La Vanguardia says Tuesday.

In a statement, Semaf said it welcomed that the government was starting to meet the safety agreements with tangible actions. It said the new date gives negotiations a “strict margin” to win approval and publication of the agreements still missing, with the aim of getting that next week.

Metrópoli Abierta adds that the union wants to give the government of Pedro Sánchez room to maneuver.

The Nov. 17 strike stays

Semaf said it is keeping pressure on through the strike called for Nov. 17 across the whole sector, covering both operators and infrastructure managers, and through the new Nov. 23 stoppage. According to Metrópoli Abierta, most unions with representation in the rail sector have joined the Nov. 17 call, and it applies to all workers, not only train drivers.

Semaf also said it will keep negotiating so the remaining safety commitments are turned into rules. The union said it will accept only measures that are approved and in force, and not just signed commitments, “even if signed by a minister.”

The general strike on Nov. 11

Semaf is not backing Wednesday’s general strike, Metrópoli Abierta reported. Union sources told the outlet that Semaf sees itself as a strictly professional union rather than a class-based one. It is not opposed to the strike, they said, and leaves each member to decide whether to take part.

What this means for rail users

Train services run by the Renfe Group face two dated stoppages in the coming days: the sector-wide strike on Nov. 17 and Semaf’s drivers’ strike on Nov. 23. The Nov. 12 stoppage no longer goes ahead.

CGT, another union, told Metrópoli Abierta that new stoppages could follow in December if no agreements are reached in the coming days.

What to watch next

The next steps are the talks Semaf wants to conclude next week on the pending safety agreements, and then the Nov. 17 and Nov. 23 strike dates.

Sources: Metrópoli Abierta, La Vanguardia