Users of the C-5 line of Cercanías in Alcorcón will face a significant decrease in service this Monday, June 29. The strike called by the Railway Union (SF) will affect train operations throughout Spain, with a notable impact on the Cercanías network. Hundreds of High-Speed, Medium-Distance, and Cercanías trains are expected to be cancelled, although the Ministry of Transport has established minimum services to try and ensure some mobility.
At the stations of Alcorcón Central and San José de Valderas, train frequency will be lower than usual. The minimum services set by the Ministry stipulate that only 75% of the usual service will be provided in Cercanías during peak hours (06:00-09:00, 13:30-16:00, and 18:30-20:30). Outside these periods, the service will be reduced to 50%, potentially leading to longer waiting times and possible platform overcrowding.
Nationally, Renfe will cancel 320 trains across High-Speed, Long-Distance, and Medium-Distance services. Approximately 73% of the usual High-Speed and Long-Distance offering will be maintained, while 65% of scheduled Medium-Distance trains will run. The company has informed affected travelers that they can travel on another available train or change or cancel their tickets free of charge through the usual channels.
The reason for the strike, according to the Railway Union, is its disagreement with the future of Renfe Mercancías. The union denounces an alleged "premeditated abandonment" of this division and rejects the creation of a mixed company with Medway, part of the MSC group. They also claim that agreements reached with the Ministry of Transport in previous years are not being respected and criticize decisions such as the outsourcing of locomotive maintenance or the closure of certain railway facilities.
This strike on June 29 is the first of two planned work stoppage days. The second 24-hour strike is scheduled for next July 15, which could lead to further service disruptions for regular Cercanías users during the summer season.
