Spain’s train drivers, represented by the Semaf union, are launching a three‑day national strike to protest what they describe as a dangerous decline in rail safety. The walkout comes after two deadly derailments in January that killed nearly 50 people and exposed widespread maintenance failures across multiple routes. Semaf argues that chronic understaffing, insufficient investment, and deteriorating infrastructure have created unsafe working conditions for rail employees and passengers alike. The union says the crashes mark a breaking point and is demanding immediate hiring, stronger safety protocols, and major upgrades to the network. While the government insists it has invested heavily in the system, workers maintain that the recent tragedies show those measures have not been enough to protect staff or the public.
See "Spanish train drivers to begin nationwide strike after fatal crashes", Yang Tian, BBC, February 9, 2026