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A general strike is set to sweep Spain on Wednesday, November 11, and travelers should expect limited public transport, possible closures and delays across the country, the U.S. Embassy in Madrid warned.
Workers from all sectors, including hospitality and transportation, are called to strike. Public transportation will run only minimum services, and the embassy is telling travelers to confirm plans with their train company or airline and to expect delays. No individual flight cancellations have been confirmed.
Demonstrations, both planned and spontaneous, are expected throughout the country, with picket lines possible. The embassy cautions that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can escalate quickly, and travelers should expect a heavier police presence and possible road closures. Museums, shops, restaurants and pharmacies may be closed, so visitors should plan ahead for personal needs and avoid crowds.
In Catalonia, the regional government guarantees 25% of normal service on FGC lines (Barcelona-Valles, Llobregat-Anoia and Lleida-La Pobla) during peak hours, 6:30-9:30 a.m. and 4:30-9 p.m., with no minimum set outside those hours, and says the Montserrat and Nuria tourist railways may be affected; travelers should check the FGC site or app. Minimum service of 25% at peak has also been set for Rodalies suburban rail, the metro, trams and buses, and 50% all day for the Barcelona airport bus, betevé reported. Those are guaranteed minimum levels, not confirmed actual service.
The 24-hour walkout, led by the UGT and CCOO unions over the housing crisis, was called earlier in the week.
The embassy advises Americans in Spain to check with their train or airline for changes, notify friends and family of their safety, and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program for security updates.
JBizNews Desk | Madrid, Spain
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