Ouigo calls train strike in Spain in June: What you need to know
The Spanish Union of Railway Drivers (Semaf) has called a walkout for Ouigo train drivers over several dates in June, stoppages that are set to affect 22,000 passengers.
Partial Ouigo rail strikes are due to take place on June 12th, 13th, 23rd and 27th, while a full strike day will be held on June 26th.
This will result in the cancellation of up to 40 journeys and could affect up to 22,000 passengers.
The protests are being called over the dismissal of a train driver and the alleged breach of the collective agreement, which was signed just over a year ago.
The union estimates that it will affect some 22,000 commuters and explains that company's "inflexible stance" regarding the reinstatement of the driver, "fired without any justifiable cause," is forcing Semaf to take action and call a walkout.
Semaf has stated that company's nearly 100 drivers are scheduled to take five days of full- and part-time work stoppages.
The 40 journeys will affect 15 different Spanish cities including Madrid, Barcelona, Tarragona, Valencia, Alicante, Elche, Zaragoza, Seville, Málaga, Córdoba, Valladolid, Segovia, Albacete, Cuenca, and Murcia.
The strike times are as follows:
June 12th and 13th - from 6:30am to 1:00pm and from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
June 23rd - from 6:45am to 1:25pm and from 3:30pm to 6:30pm
June 26th - All day
June 27th - from 6:30am to 1:15pm and from 3:45pm to 7:00pm
Semaf explained that the dismissal occurred "without just cause" and warns that Ouigo's conduct violates labour rights and opens the door to similar decisions against other employees.
These accusations are compounded by alleged pressure on drivers to maintain operations, which, according to the union, could conflict with safety regulations and agreed working conditions.
Ouigo responded to the strike call by saying "Ouigo states that the difficult decision to separate itself from the employee in question is motivated by the repetition of actions that justify it. After having implemented a training and support plan by experienced drivers, the results have continued to be dissatisfactory for a position of such responsibility. The company offered the employee a position unrelated to driving, which was ultimately rejected”.
The company confirmed, however, that negotiations "remain open” and they hope to come to some type of agreement before the stoppages take place.
"We reiterate our commitment to fulfilling the signed agreement and express our full willingness and efforts to listen to any proposals for improvements in its implementation, as well as to maintain fluid and beneficial working relationships between all parties”, they stated.
They also confirmed their commitment to safety, compliance with the collective bargaining agreement and disciplinary regulations.
If the strike goes ahead the company could become the first private rail operator in Spain to do so.
Ouigo is a low-cost, high-speed train service run by SNCF in France. Ouigo España first launched in 2021.
thelocal
