General strike disrupts travel across Spain over housing costs
The nationwide walkout, the first jointly backed by Spain's two largest unions in 14 years, is over housing affordability.
Explainer
A nationwide general strike in Spain disrupted flights, trains and public transportation on Wednesday, November 11. The 24-hour walkout was called by the country's two largest trade unions, CCOO and UGT, over housing affordability and wages. It marks the first general strike jointly backed by the two unions in 14 years and comes just weeks before Spain's snap general election on November 29. Early data showed airlines had cancelled 202 of 4,529 scheduled flights across Spain's airport network by 8:30 a.m. local time.
Lufthansa Group warned passengers that the industrial action could disrupt its flights to and from Spain. "The strike is expected to have an impact on the Lufthansa Group airlines’ flight schedule to and from Spain. Flight cancellations and delays must be expected. We ask passengers to check the status of their flight before setting out on their journey," the airline group said. Passengers affected by cancellations on Lufthansa, Swiss, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, Eurowings and Discover Airlines can rebook their flights once free of charge or request a refund.
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Which airlines are offering flexible rebooking?
Several major airlines have issued flexible travel waivers for passengers flying through Spain. American Airlines introduced a special exception policy for passengers booked to fly through Madrid and Barcelona on November 11. Customers who bought tickets by November 6 can rebook their travel between November 8 and November 18 without change fees. Other carriers, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines and Iberia, have instituted similar flexible rebooking options. Iberia warned that some of its flights may be affected. "In response to this situation, which is beyond Iberia’s control, we are offering our customers alternatives so they can reorganise their trip more conveniently," the airline stated in an advisory. The Iberia group, which includes Iberia Express and Air Nostrum, is allowing passengers to move flights from November 11 to any date up to November 26, or take a refund, even if their flight is not cancelled.
How are trains and public transit affected?
Spain's extensive rail network faces significant challenges due to the strike. The Spanish government mandated that national train operator Renfe maintain at least 73 per cent of its high-speed AVE and long-distance services on November 11. For regional services, the minimum service level for Renfe's Media Distancia trains is 65 per cent. High-speed rail operator Ouigo plans to operate 18 of its 26 scheduled services.
Additional disruption is expected on November 12 due to separate industrial action by the train drivers’ union SEMAF. The union has announced partial stoppages on that day. Local metro systems and bus networks are also affected, with Madrid Metro reporting 79 per cent of trains running at 7:00 a.m., slightly above the required minimum of 80 per cent during peak times. Major cities, including Madrid and Barcelona, could see demonstrations that may lead to street closures and traffic congestion.
What are the unions protesting?
The unions are protesting the high cost of housing and wages. UGT said in a statement that it called the general strike because the working class can no longer afford housing. CCOO added that it has "placed housing at the heart of the demonstration, given the difficulties millions of workers face in paying rent or accessing affordable housing, and how this situation prevents many young people from becoming independent." The strike comes after a series of demonstrations sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman in Madrid. CCOO said representatives from aircraft company Airbus and hotel chain Ilunion were present at the joint assembly that called the strike. The action also includes demands for the minimum wage to rise by at least seven per cent in 2027. Early on Wednesday, pickets gathered at locations including the Mercabarna market and a Seat plant in Catalonia, and union leaders held a night rally at Puerta del Sol in Madrid.
What should travellers do?
Travellers have been advised to check the status of their flight with their airline before heading to the airport. They should also allow extra time to get to airports, as protest marches can block roads. The U.S. Embassy in Spain warned that public transportation will be limited to minimum services and that museums, shops, restaurants and pharmacies may be closed. "Confirm travel plans with your train company/airline and expect delays," the embassy said.
The UK government's travel advice for Spain states that demonstrations can take place with little warning. "While most demonstrations are peaceful, there is a risk of unrest or violence. If you’re near areas where demonstrations are taking place, be aware of what is happening around you and move away if there are signs of disorder," it added. Travellers are encouraged to monitor local media for updates and confirm their travel arrangements directly with airlines and train operators. Further travel disruptions are expected on Thursday, November 12, due to partial strikes by Renfe train drivers.
With files from Travel Market Report, The Independent and Travel Trade Journal