The strike call affects around 100 train drivers operating Ouigo services and responds, according to the union, to the company’s repeated breaches of the collective agreement. SEMAF alleges excessive working hours, abusive shifts and a lack of rest periods, as well as difficulties reconciling work and family life. So far, it has not been specified which trains could be affected or what cancellations may take place.
WHEN IS THE OUIGO STRIKE: DATES AND TIMES
The schedule includes six strike days, two involving 24-hour stoppages and four involving partial service interruptions. The announced dates are as follows:
Friday, October 30: 24-hour strike, from 00.01 to 23.59. Monday, November 2: 24-hour strike, from 00.01 to 23.59. Friday, November 6: stoppages from 6.00 to 12.00 and from 18.00 to 23.59. Monday, November 9: stoppages from 6.00 to 12.00 and from 18.00 to 23.59. Friday, December 4: stoppages from 6.00 to 12.00 and from 18.00 to 23.59. Tuesday, December 8: stoppages from 6.00 to 12.00 and from 18.00 to 23.59.
The walkouts could affect passengers traveling to or from Zaragoza on Ouigo’s high-speed services, as well as other connections operated by the company. The strike also coincides with the All Saints’ holiday weekend and the December holiday weekend, two periods that see a high volume of travel.
"We cannot continue to tolerate Ouigo turning the exception into the rule," said SEMAF Secretary-General Diego Martín Fernández, accusing the company of addressing its organizational problems at the expense of workers’ rest and health.
The union is demanding that Ouigo fully comply with its collective agreement, end the scheduling practices it considers irregular and open negotiations to resolve the dispute. In the meantime, passengers holding tickets for the specified dates should monitor the company’s communications for information about possible changes to their trains.
