By Letara Draghia •
Published: 29 Nov 2024 • 10:50
• 1 minute read
A nationwide bus strike in Spain from November 28-29 is causing significant disruption, with up to 50 per cent of services affected in some regions, including Murcia and Andalusia.
Bus operators are impacted as unions protest the government s lack of progress on improving working conditions and allowing early retirement for bus drivers.
Why are Spanish bus drivers striking?
The Confederación General del Trabajo (CGT) union is heading the strikes, demanding early retirement without financial penalties due to the physically demanding nature of bus driving. Drivers cite long hours, exposure to diesel fumes, vibrations, and static postures as leading causes of chronic health issues, including musculoskeletal disorders and respiratory conditions.
Unions are also pushing for stricter enforcement of workplace safety regulations, better reporting on industry hazards, and an improved retirement system to acknowledge the difficulties of the profession.
To minimise the impact on passengers, the Spanish government has decreed that 50 per cent of bus services must operate during the strikes. However, what constitutes “minimum service” varies regionally. For instance, in Catalonia, 40 per cent of buses are running during peak hours but drop to 20 per cent at other times.
Future bus strikes in Spain
This strike follows a similar one in late October, which unions claimed was ignored by authorities. There was another reportedly planned for November 11, but this was cancelled due to the devastating DANA. With no resolution in sight, further industrial action is planned, including full-day strikes on December 5 and 9, and an indefinite walkout starting December 23.
Unions argue that their calls for conversations with the Ministries of Labour and Social Security have gone unanswered. Spanish News Today reported that union leaders view these strikes as a last resort to pressure the government into addressing their demands.
Passengers are advised to check with local operators for updates on service availability and plan alternative transport where possible.
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Part-time writer, wife, and mother from the UK. Living an enjoyable life in southern Spain.
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