Ferrocarrils faces the first day of the strike called by the Semaf train drivers
The operator assures that the minimum service requirements of 50% of trains during peak hours are being met.
BarcelonaNine Tuesdays of difficulties for rail travel, this time also affecting Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat de Catalunya (FGC). The Catalan train operator faces the first of these disruptions this morning. five days of strikewhich has called on the Semaf union to strike on February 24th and 25th and March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th to demand greater safety on the service.
For this Tuesday, the Department of Business and Labor has set minimum services of 50% during peak hours and 25% during other periods. For next week, minimum services will increase to 66% and 33%, respectively, due to the protest coinciding with the Mobile World Congress, which is expected to increase the number of travelers.
So far, the Catalan operator assures that the minimum services are being met as planned and expects to be able to provide the first official figures on participation around 10:00 AM. No significant incidents resulting from the protest have been reported so far.
Aside from network security—which the company assures it scrupulously complies with European regulations—the workers are also demanding a series of improvements in working conditions. The CCOO union decided to join the strikes, but only those for next week. The UGT union, however, has ruled out joining. For its part, FGC views the strike with "surprise," considering it "contrived."
