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Spain's Railway System Faces Strike Amidst 'Systematic Neglect' Concerns

Published January 21, 2026, 12:20
Spain's Railway System Faces Strike Amidst 'Systematic Neglect' Concerns

Train drivers in Spain are initiating a nationwide strike due to 'systematic neglect' within the country's railway network, which has resulted in two recent fatal accidents. The SEMAF union denounces serious safety deficiencies, poor maintenance, and a lack of preventative measures, arguing that the network is no longer safe for either employees or passengers. The strike follows the death of a driver in Gelida and a deadly crash in Adamuz, claiming 42 lives. These incidents have sparked widespread shock and anger. SEMAF accuses the government of ignoring repeated warnings and requests for improvements to safety conditions. They believe the situation has reached a critical point and demand immediate intervention. The strike is expected to cause significant disruptions to rail travel across Spain. Drivers have stated their determination to escalate their actions if substantial improvements to network safety are not implemented.