Train strikes in Spain and Italy: possible difficulties on October 29 and 30
The announced suspensions of operations could disrupt travel ahead of All Saints' Day. Agencies and travelers should check the specific departures as the minimum capacity of the transport does not guarantee the operation of every booked train.
Travels that combine train, flight, and hotel accommodation at the end of October will require additional verification. In Spain, a Renfe train driver strike has been announced for October 29, and the following day a Ouigo employee strike will also take place. In Italy, possible disruptions are linked to the general strike on October 30, with train service being suspended as early as the previous evening.
Renfe retains part of the departures, Ouigo announces more cancellations
The SEMAF union has called on Renfe train drivers to strike on Thursday, October 29, from 00:01 to 23:59. The reason given is dissatisfaction with the implementation of the agreement on railway safety, handling in extreme weather conditions, and the reliability of the trains.
Renfe announced that the prescribed minimum transport volume covers an average of 73 percent of regular departures of fast and long-distance trains and 65 percent of departures on medium distances. These figures refer to the total offer, so the status of each individual train should be verified separately.
The all-day strikes at Ouigo have been announced for October 30 and November 2. The strikes on November 6 and 9, as well as on December 4 and 8, are scheduled only during part of the day. The dispute concerns working conditions and the implementation of the collective agreement.
In Italy, possible changes to the announcement should also be monitored
The announced date of the Italian rail strike runs from 21:00 on Thursday, October 29, until 20:59 on Friday, October 30. There may be changes in the traffic of Trenitalia, Italo and Trenord, including regional and express trains.
However, the scope of implementation requires caution. The USB union notes that the competent commission warned about a period of restriction of transport strikes from October 30 to November 5 and requested an exemption for the transport sector. USB simultaneously confirmed its participation. Therefore, the announcement should not be considered as a final confirmation of the suspension of all services.
For agencies, the first step is to separate reservations with short layovers and arrivals by train to the flight. Clients should be informed about their departure, possible alternatives, and the time of the next check-in. Separately purchased tickets deserve special attention: changing one segment may require adjusting the entire journey.
Tragento tip: Make the check the day before your trip and repeat it before you leave for the station. When planning alternatives, rely on the carrier's confirmed departures.
