> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Updated: New Rail Safety Measures Approved Amid Strike - URL: https://barna.news/new-rail-safety-measures-approved-amid/ - Published: 2026-11-10T17:54:03.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-10T18:20:05.000Z - Description: The Spanish government has approved urgent rail safety and social protection measures as train drivers begin a three-day strike. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: Transport **Update, 10th November 2026:** Renfe reported that train drivers from Semaf were not complying with minimum service requirements, apologised to passengers and advised them to seek alternative transport; the government stated it would require Renfe to initiate proceedings and investigations into the non-compliance, according to [Ara Cat](https://www.ara.cat/societat/mobilitat/renfe-avisa-maquinistes-no-complint-serveis-minims%5F1%5F5905741.html?ref=barna.news). ## Government Acts on First Day of Rail Strike On Tuesday 10th November 2026, the Council of Ministers approved a decree-law introducing new rail safety and worker protection measures, coinciding with the first of three scheduled strike days by train drivers across Spain. The industrial action affects Rodalies (commuter rail services) and other rail operations nationwide. The strike, organised by train driver unions Semaf, CCOO and UGT, includes a 24-hour full stoppage on 10th November, followed by partial stoppages on subsequent days. Despite recent negotiations with the newly appointed acting Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility, Carlos Cuerpo, the unions have not called off the action. --- ## Safety and Retirement Reforms Included The decree-law, published by the Ministry of Transport under Cuerpo’s leadership, introduces three key measures aimed at addressing longstanding union demands. These include a more precise calculation of train drivers’ operational hours, enhanced supervisory powers for the State Railway Safety Agency (AESF), and expanded retirement age reduction coefficients for additional railway personnel. These demands originated in February 2026, following two fatal rail accidents, in Adamuz, Córdoba, where 46 people died, and in Gelida. The situation intensified after a further accident in Urda, Toledo, which claimed 69 lives. > The government appreciates progress in negotiations, but the unions have not suspended the strike. The decree-law must now be ratified by Congress, or in its absence, by the Permanent Deputation, a body that assumes legislative functions during parliamentary recess, as outlined in official parliamentary sources. ## Ministerial Change Precedes Measures Carlos Cuerpo assumed the role of acting Minister of Transport and Sustainable Mobility on 4th November 2026, following the resignation of Óscar Puente. His appointment was officially confirmed in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) and announced by the President of the Government at La Moncloa. Cuerpo, previously Spain’s economy minister, was tasked with restoring public confidence in the rail network, particularly high-speed services. Renfe Operadora, the state-owned rail operator under the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda, is central to the implementation of these reforms. The company’s mandate includes ensuring passenger safety, service quality, and adherence to public service obligations under a 2018–2027 agreement with the government. The new measures aim to strengthen compliance with European rail safety standards under the Fourth Railway Package, transposed into Spanish law via Royal Decree 23/2018. --- *Sources:* [*Ara*](https://en.ara.cat/society/new-calculation-of-driving-hours-and-more-supervision-moncloa-approves-measures-the-first-day-of-the-train-drivers-strike%5F1%5F5906136.html?ref=barna.news)*,* [*Exclama!*](https://www.renfe.com/content/dam/renfe/en/Grupo-Empresa/gobierno-corporativo-y-transparencia/informes-rse/2019%5FAccesible%5FMemoria%5FInforme%5FRSGC%5FENG.pdf?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Train Drivers Seek EU Intervention Over AVE Safety](https://barna.news/train-drivers-seek-eu-intervention-over/) - [Spain boosts rail safety with new controls](https://barna.news/spain-boosts-rail-safety-with-new/) - [Updated: Rodalies strikes to disrupt trains for three days](https://barna.news/rodalies-strikes-to-disrupt-trains-for/)