A planned three-day rail strike in Spain has been called off after a “historic” agreement was reached between unions and the Ministry of Transport. The deal includes a 1.8 billion euro investment in maintenance and the creation of 3,650 jobs, according to reports.
The agreement came on the first day of planned strikes, which had already caused delays and cancellations. Negotiating teams met Monday with the goal of breaking the impasse, and the deal was signed later in the day with Transport Minister Óscar Puente. Puente joined the talks after returning from a trip to Saudi Arabia.
The agreement encompasses four main areas with over 25 points, and establishes working groups to modify regulations and legislation. One example is classifying breaks of less than 45 minutes as driving time. “It is based on improving investment in infrastructure, improving safety measures and incorporating the necessary professionals to do so,” explained Diego Martín, Secretary General of Semaf.
Sources within the Ministry of Transport acknowledged the unions’ willingness to engage in dialogue during negotiations, and praised their ability to reach a consensus “in the best interest of the railway system.”
The unions CC.OO., UGT, and Semaf, representing over 80% of the sector, had called for the strike on February 9, 10, and 11, seeking increased safety measures following fatal accidents in Adamuz (Córdoba) and Gélida (Barcelona). Other unions, including CGT and the Ferroviario Union (SF), were not included in the negotiations and have announced they will proceed with the strike.
More investment in maintenance and new positions
Increased spending on maintenance was a key demand from the train operators. Two funding agreements will be processed with the General Administration of the State, one with Adif and another with Adif Alta Velocidad. The first will include 861 million euros for 2026, increasing to 1.179 billion in 2030. The second will see spending increase by 44%, from 435.6 million last year to 629 million in 2030.
The agreement also includes improvements to the fleet of infrastructure maintenance vehicles, with an additional 300 vehicles to be added progressively. The first 100 units are expected to be available during the first half of this year.
A significant aspect of the agreement is the increase in staffing at Adif and Renfe, with a total of 3,600 new positions. Specifically, a request for 2,400 additional positions at Adif will be processed between 2026 and 2030 (approximately 480 per year). whereas Renfe will sign contracts for 1,200 additional positions in structure, operation, intervention, stations, management centers and maintenance.
The State Railway Safety Agency (AESF) will also be reinforced with 50 new positions and additional resources for supervision, training and risk coordination, as well as new working groups on speed limits, protocols for weather events and a culture of safety throughout the sector.
Finally, the agreement provides for the creation of a joint commission that will meet within one month to monitor the agreements, and will be convened on subsequent occasions as needed.
Cancelled trains and minimum services
Regarding the first day of the strike, sources at Renfe informed that the participation rate across the group was 11.6% in the morning shift, accumulating 11.2% including the night shift.
Delays and suspensions occurred on some trains as a result of the strikes, including at the Madrid-Puerta de Atocha Almudena Grandes station. Eight Ouigo trains —with connections between Madrid-Murcia, Madrid-Valencia and Madrid-Barcelona— were cancelled, while another eight Iryo trains —with routes from Madrid-Barcelona and Madrid-Valencia— “were not guaranteed.”
Renfe reported that AVE, Avlo, Alvia, Euromed and Intercity services maintained 80% of minimum services. However, seven connections were suppressed: three on the northeast corridor, two on the south corridor and two on the north corridor. In Cercanías, medium-distance, metric gauge and Avant services, the greatest impacts were registered in Rodalies, with delays on all lines and a minimum service compliance rate of 42%, which fell to 41% in Cercanías.
In Andalusia, with a compliance rate of 52.7% of the service, cancellations were added to the difficulties in providing the service due to weather conditions. on Monday Renfe fulfilled 62.6% of the minimum services nationwide, according to the company.
Compensation for delays and cancellations
In light of the strike, consumer organizations have reminded passengers of their rights in the event of delays and cancellations.
OCU noted that passengers whose trains were cancelled due to the strikes can claim a refund of their ticket and “additional compensation” that varies depending on the situation. They can also claim damages for cancellation or delay of the trip, and are advised to maintain the ticket or invoice as proof.
Facua indicated in a statement that if the delay exceeds 60 minutes, the company must offer affected passengers options such as a full refund of the ticket or alternative transportation. It is also obliged to provide food and refreshments free of charge, and accommodation at no cost if the user requires an overnight or longer stay.
However, these compensations do not apply to tickets purchased during the strike period, as explained by the association.
