ARCHIVED - Spanish unions call off Renfe strikes after commitment over pay and working week

Industrial action was scheduled for October and November and would have affected thousands of passengers in Spain over the holidays

In yet another transport strike U-turn this week, after Ryanair called off work stoppages, Renfe rail unions in Spain have also cancelled industrial action which threatened to throw thousands of passengers' holiday plans into disarray.

Earlier this month, hundreds of rail workers took part in a mass rally in Madrid in protest against their employer. Negotiations to improve working conditions ended in stalemate triggering calls for strikes in October and November affecting the Cercanías, Rodalíes and mid-distance train services.

However, CC.OO., UGT and the Spanish Union of Train Drivers (Semaf) have now called off stoppages scheduled for Friday October 28 and November 7 and 11, following a commitment from Renfe to "intensify negotiations" to sign a new collective agreement that includes wage increases and a shorter working week.

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Workers want the Spanish rail company to employ more staff, since the current levels are "insufficient" to cover the workloads. They have requested that certain jobs are no longer outsourced and have also called for the activation of the III Collective Agreement, which would increase their salaries in line with inflation.

According to president of Renfe, Isaías Táboas, the negotiations will focus on implementing salary increases agreed by the unions, which involves a rise of 3.5% for the current year with retroactive effect from January 1, 2022.

A further increase of 3.5% and 2.5% is contemplated for 2023 and 2024, respectively, as well as a 35-hour working week.

Renfe has also committed to extend the temporary hiring of additional commercial staff into 2023.

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Image: Archive