A general strike lasting 24 hours will be held across Spain on Wednesday 11th November 2026, running from 00:00 to 24:00 and affecting both the public and private sectors. In Barcelona, metro, bus, tram, FGC and Rodalies services will operate at a quarter of their usual level, and only during two periods of the day. This guide explains which services are running, at what times, and the routes the marches will take. Live updates, each with a time stamp, will be added here throughout Wednesday.

At a glance

  • Metro, bus, tram, FGC and Rodalies services: 25% of the usual timetable between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 16:30 and 21:00. Outside those windows, nothing is guaranteed.
  • Aerobus to the airport: 50%.
  • Hospital emergency departments and pharmacies: normal service. Primary care centres (CAPs): 25%.
  • Schools: open, staffed to minimum levels.
  • Main march: sets off at 17:30 from the Jardinets de Gràcia.

Who is striking, and why

The strike was called nationwide by CCOO and UGT on 19th October. In Catalonia they are backed by CGT, IAC, Intersindical, USTEC and other unions, as well as by the Elite Taxi union and by the majority of unions represented on Barcelona City Council's works council. Pay, housing and the cost of living are the central grievances, and a 35-hour week is among the demands. Foment del Treball, the employers' association, has described the strike as untimely.

Metro and buses

  • TMB will operate 25% of its usual metro and bus service between 06:30 and 09:30 and between 16:30 and 21:00. Passengers should expect lengthy waits and crowded carriages.
  • TMB has warned of disruption and altered frequencies from 05:00 to 06:30, from 09:30 to 16:30 and from 21:00 until close, with the extent depending on staff turnout. No minimum service has been set for those periods.
  • The strike begins at 00:00, so late-night NitBus services on Tuesday may also be affected.
  • TMB has not released a timetable for individual lines. Before travelling, consult tmb.cat or the TMB app, or ring the TMB helpline on 900 701 149 (07:00 to 21:00).

Trains and tram

  • Rodalies, FGC and tram: 25% during the same two periods, 06:30 to 09:30 and 16:30 to 21:00, with no guaranteed service at any other time of day.
  • Rodalies drivers will also walk out on Tuesday 10th and Thursday 12th November. For Thursday, Rodalies presently lists 66% from 06:20 to 09:20 and 33% from 14:20 to 17:20 and from 21:20 to 23:20, though it says the final figures have yet to be confirmed.
  • Renfe long-distance and high-speed trains: 73% of services.

Airport, taxis and roads

  • Aerobus is operating a 50% service.
  • At El Prat, flights will run to minimum service levels set per route. According to press reports, island and public-service routes will see 56% to 85% of flights, international routes and longer domestic routes 39% to 64%, and domestic routes with a train or coach alternative under five hours 18% to 37%. Passengers should check with their airline before setting out.
  • The Elite Taxi union is joining the action, and no minimum taxi services have been published, so long queues are likely.
  • Police anticipate traffic disruption from around 06:00 on the Rondes, the C-58 and the AP-7.

Health

  • Accident and emergency, intensive care, maternity and dialysis units at hospitals: operating as usual.
  • Urgent care centres (CUAP) and on-call pharmacies: operating as usual.
  • Primary care centres (CAPs): staffing at 25%, so routine appointments may be cancelled.
  • Doctors in Catalonia have also been on an indefinite strike, separate from this action, since 28th October.

Schools and services

  • Schools remain open. Infant and primary schools have to retain one teacher per six classes; secondary schools receive no additional teaching cover. Nurseries are operating at 33%, and school meals at 33%. Check with your school about what it can provide on the day.
  • The University of Barcelona's student council has called a full academic stoppage, with no assessed activities taking place that day.
  • The 112 emergency line is at 85% of its staffing.
  • No official information has yet been found on rubbish collection, street cleaning, Bicing, libraries or museums.

Marches

  • The principal march leaves the Jardinets de Gràcia at 17:30. According to Metrópoli Abierta, its route runs from the Jardinets de Gràcia to Casa Milà (La Pedrera).
  • A second march starts at 17:00 from Plaça de Jacint Verdaguer.
  • The education bloc assembles at 17:00 at the junction of Diagonal and Pau Claris.
  • The Mossos d'Esquadra are deploying more than 9,000 officers throughout Catalonia, roughly 1,500 of them in Barcelona, and anticipate a turnout above 50,000. Their chief concerns are Passeig de Gràcia and the area around the Cathedral. Crowds and road closures are expected around Passeig de Gràcia and Diagonal from late afternoon onwards.

Practical tips

  • For public transport, plan your journeys for the windows of 06:30 to 09:30 or 16:30 to 21:00.
  • Look at the operator's app before leaving: certain cancellations are announced only the day before.
  • Allow additional time if you are heading to the airport.
  • If you have a job, a strike day means no pay, and you are not required to inform your employer in advance whether you intend to strike.

Sources