Spanish train driver unions call off further strike action after talks

Passengers wait at a railway station during a train drivers’ strike in Madrid, Spain, Feb. 9, 2026. Unions representing Spain’s train drivers on Monday announced the cancellation of the second and third days of strike action planned for Tuesday and Wednesday following talks with the Ministry of Transport. The strike, scheduled from Feb. 9 to 11, was called to demand improved safety measures in the wake of recent rail accidents. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

MADRID, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) — Unions representing Spain’s train drivers on Monday announced the cancellation of the second and third days of strike action planned for Tuesday and Wednesday following talks with the Ministry of Transport.

The strike, scheduled from Feb. 9 to 11, was called to demand improved safety measures in the wake of recent rail accidents.

Following a meeting with transport authorities, the unions agreed to suspend further strike action after reaching an agreement that includes “improvements in investment, maintenance and staffing,” according to a Transport Ministry spokesperson.

“We recognize the unions’ willingness to engage in dialogue throughout the negotiations, and we are satisfied with the agreement and the consensus reached, which will benefit our rail system,” the ministry said in a statement released on Monday.

Rail services were disrupted on Monday, with minimum service levels set at 65 percent of normal operations for commuter trains during the morning and evening rush hours, falling to 50 percent for the rest of the day. Hundreds of trains were cancelled as a result.

Around 350 long-distance trains and 683 medium-distance services were expected to be affected over the three-day strike period. ■

Passengers wait at a railway station during a train drivers’ strike in Madrid, Spain, Feb. 9, 2026. Unions representing Spain’s train drivers on Monday announced the cancellation of the second and third days of strike action planned for Tuesday and Wednesday following talks with the Ministry of Transport. The strike, scheduled from Feb. 9 to 11, was called to demand improved safety measures in the wake of recent rail accidents. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)

Passengers wait at a railway station during a train drivers’ strike in Madrid, Spain, Feb. 9, 2026. Unions representing Spain’s train drivers on Monday announced the cancellation of the second and third days of strike action planned for Tuesday and Wednesday following talks with the Ministry of Transport. The strike, scheduled from Feb. 9 to 11, was called to demand improved safety measures in the wake of recent rail accidents. (Photo by Gustavo Valiente/Xinhua)