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Madrid metro drivers call eight days of strikes in June

Jessica Jones
Jessica Jones - [email protected]
Madrid metro drivers call eight days of strikes in June
Photo: VivirElTren.es/Flickr

Madrid Metro workers have called 8 days of partial strikes in June in protest at pay and working conditions.

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The first strike will take place on Monday, June 13th from 6am - 9am and will continue on June 14th, 15th, 17th and 20th, as well as June 22nd, 23rd and 24th.

The timing is not ideal. Today, June 10th Renfe workers have begun a four day strike on Madrid's commuter trains, the cercanías. Platforms were packed on Friday morning as trains ran on a minimum service of 75 percent during rush hour and 50 percent during the rest of the day. 

The strike will continue on June 12th, 14th and 16th. 

 

 

Metro drivers are demanding chances to their working hours and practices, including finishing their shifts at the same station where they start.

They are asking for 14 extra free days on top of the 52 they already have, according to Spanish daily ABC.

The President of the Community of Madrid, Cristina Cifuentes has warned drivers that she will not cede to their demands.

"It is a strike that really does not make very much sense," she said. "It is a form of pressure that the drivers have while they negotiate their collective bargaining agreement."

Cifuentes pointed out that metro drivers’ conditions are already "quite good". Their salaries range from €35,000 for a recently qualified driver to €50,000 for veteran drivers. 

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