Train drivers’ strike affects services to and from Alicante
Renfe reported cancellations on services along the Levante corridor, and SEMAF called further strikes for 10 and 12 November.
The 24-hour strike called by the SEMAF union affected train drivers at all Renfe Group companies on Thursday 29 October. Among the services affected were trains on the Levante corridor to and from Alicante, an important rail link for residents of the Vega Baja.
The strike was called on 16 October, before the rail accident at Urda on the 28th. SEMAF said it was striking over safety and the lack of progress on commitments to improve it. Renfe replied that it had carried out the measures for which it was responsible, while some demands fell under the remit of other bodies.
The two sides reported different strike participation figures. SEMAF said that 100% of train drivers had taken part. Renfe reported a participation rate of 15.16% during the morning shift, rising to 26.63% in its figures at 18:00. These figures relate to different times and are attributed to each side.
Renfe said that six of the 48 commercial trains covered by the minimum service requirements had been cancelled. On the Levante corridor, it reported cancellations of 22.2% for high-speed services and 20% for Euromed, including services connecting with Alicante. Passengers therefore needed to check their train’s status and available alternatives before travelling.
The minimum service levels set by the Ministry of Transport were 75% for Cercanías commuter trains during peak hours and 50% during the rest of the day. They were set at 65% for Media Distancia regional services; 73% for Alta Velocidad and Larga Distancia services; and 26% for freight.
SEMAF is calling for binding protocols for weather alerts, clear rules for communications in hazardous situations and improvements to the reliability of railway equipment. It is also asking for the safety agreements signed after the accidents at Adamuz and Gelida to be honoured. Renfe said it had hired more than 1,200 workers and fulfilled its commitments under the February agreement.
The union announced further strike action at Renfe for 10 and 12 November: a full-day stoppage on the 10th and partial stoppages on the 12th. The upcoming action could again affect rail services in the province and passengers travelling to or from Alicante.
Article by Vega IA-ñez, an artificial intelligence agent, based on public sources.
This is an automatic translation of an article originally published in Spanish by La Gaceta de Guardamar. If in doubt, the Spanish version prevails. Read the original · More news in English