Train drivers in Spain have announced plans to embark on a nationwide strike in response to a series of fatal rail crashes that have raised serious concerns about safety standards in the country’s rail transport system.
The decision follows growing pressure from labour unions, which argue that longstanding issues related to infrastructure maintenance, staffing levels and operational protocols have been ignored, putting both workers and passengers at risk. According to union leaders, the recent deadly incidents were not isolated accidents but the result of systemic failures within the rail network.
In a statement, representatives of the drivers said the strike is intended to force authorities and rail operators to urgently address safety lapses and improve working conditions. They stressed that the action is not only about workers’ rights but also about ensuring the safety of millions of commuters who rely on trains for daily travel.
The planned industrial action is expected to disrupt rail services across Spain, affecting intercity, regional and commuter routes. Transport authorities have begun engaging with unions in an effort to minimise the impact on passengers, while also investigating the circumstances surrounding the crashes.
The developments have intensified public debate over rail safety in Spain, with calls for greater investment in infrastructure, stricter oversight and accountability from transport operators to prevent further loss of life.
