A difficult start for travellers
This Monday, Atocha station became the epicentre of a chaotic situation for thousands of travellers due to the train and machinists' strike called by the sector's unions. From the early hours of the morning, many users, like Yurany, arrived hoping to get to work on time, only to find a desolate platform with no trains in sight.
Although the initial atmosphere seemed calm, it soon became evident that mass cancellations were affecting everyone. Passengers were huddled on the platforms, checking their mobile phones and asking staff about the status of services. "Not a single one has come," lamented Yurany as she considered taking a taxi to her office in Torrelodones.
The Ministry of Transport had established minimum services of 73% for high-speed and long-distance trains, but many users claimed that this figure was not being met. Belén, a traveller trying to reach Zaragoza for work, expressed her frustration: "I see neither 75% nor 30%. They are not providing us with a solution."
As the morning progressed, the queues at the customer service point grew longer. Renfe workers offered free changes and cancellations to mitigate the impact of the strike. However, many passengers showed understanding towards the situation. "It’s better to lose three days than to lose more lives," commented Selenny, a Red Cross worker.
The strike was called by several major railway unions such as Semaf and CCOO following recent tragic accidents in Adamuz (Córdoba) and Gelida (Barcelona), where a total of 47 people lost their lives. Bartolomé, a machinist and union representative, explained: "We are demanding an increase in railway safety. This is an issue that affects not only workers but also all citizens as users."
Despite the apparent chaos at Atocha, the atmosphere was noticeably calmer compared to other past strikes. Many travellers agreed to support the labour demands even if it caused them personal inconvenience. Jesús shared his experience: "A journey that usually takes me half an hour from Alcorcón has taken me two hours today," but he added: "I completely understand the reasons behind the strike."
As the day went on and union gatherings began to take shape inside and outside the station, it became clear that this strike not only seeks to improve working conditions but also to ensure greater safety for all those who use the railway transport daily.
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