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Train strikes and disruption in Europe: calendar and your rights

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Train strikes and disruption in Europe: calendar and your rights

Every announced rail strike in Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium and Germany, with the source for each one (official sources first), what is planned for trains and your right to a refund. Updated daily by the TrainsNews team.

Last checked: 30 Oct 2026, 10:00 (Paris time)

October 2026

SpainRenfe train drivers' strike (24 hours)Confirmed

When: Thursday 29 October 2026

Operators: Renfe · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Commuter, regional, AVE and long-distance trains, freight.

What is planned: Minimum services set by the Ministry of Transport: commuter 75% at peak times and 50% the rest of the day, regional 65%, AVE and long distance 73%, freight 26%. Separately, the Madrid–Andalusia high-speed line has been closed since the Urda crash on 28 October.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainOUIGO Spain drivers' strikeConfirmed

When: Friday 30 October 2026

Operators: OUIGO España · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: OUIGO trains in Spain.

What is planned: OUIGO cancelled all its trains in Spain that day (about 40 trains over the two strike days, 30 October and 2 November). The Ministry of Transport had set minimum services of about 72%, but on 28 October Spain's National Court (Audiencia Nacional) provisionally suspended that decision; OUIGO says it can no longer guarantee which trains would run. Tickets can be changed free of charge or refunded. Trains on 31 October and 1 November run normally.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026

November 2026

SpainOUIGO Spain drivers' strikeConfirmed

When: Monday 2 November 2026

Operators: OUIGO España · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: OUIGO trains in Spain.

What is planned: OUIGO cancelled all its trains in Spain that day (about 40 trains over the two strike days, 30 October and 2 November). The Ministry of Transport had set minimum services of about 72%, but on 28 October Spain's National Court (Audiencia Nacional) provisionally suspended that decision; OUIGO says it can no longer guarantee which trains would run. Tickets can be changed free of charge or refunded. Trains on 31 October and 1 November run normally.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
FranceNational SNCF strikeStrike called

When: Thursday 5 November 2026

Operators: SNCF (all rail workers) · Unions: CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail, CFDT-Cheminots

What is affected: The four unions CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots are calling on every SNCF worker to strike over pay, jobs and working conditions. The same day, a nationwide cross-sector strike has been called (CFDT, CGT, FO, UNSA, FSU).

What is planned: According to the joint national strike notice published on 28 October, the strike runs from 19:00 on Wednesday 4 November to 08:00 on Friday 6 November, so disruption is possible from the evening before and the following morning. Strike-day timetable not yet published. French law requires SNCF to inform passengers at least 24 hours before the strike starts. Union rally and meeting with management on pay on Tuesday 3 November.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainOUIGO Spain drivers' partial strikeStrike called

When: Friday 6 November 2026

Operators: OUIGO España · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Stoppages from 06:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 23:59, according to Spanish press.

What is planned: Minimum services uncertain: the ministry had set about 72%, but on 28 October the National Court provisionally suspended that decision. OUIGO has not yet published its list of trains.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainOUIGO Spain drivers' partial strikeStrike called

When: Monday 9 November 2026

Operators: OUIGO España · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Stoppages from 06:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 23:59, according to Spanish press.

What is planned: Minimum services uncertain: the ministry had set about 72%, but on 28 October the National Court provisionally suspended that decision. OUIGO has not yet published its list of trains.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
ItalyItalo on-board crew strikeStrike called

When: Monday 9 November 2026, 02:00 to 23:59

Operators: Italo · Unions: Uiltrasporti

What is affected: All Italo on-board crew.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
ItalyItalo national strike (8 hours)Strike called

When: Monday 9 November 2026, 09:01 to 16:59

Operators: Italo · Unions: Filt Cgil, Fit Cisl, Ugl Ferrovieri, Fast Confsal, Orsa Trasporti

What is affected: Italo staff, nationwide.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainRenfe train drivers' strike (full stoppage)Strike called

When: Tuesday 10 November 2026

Operators: Grupo Renfe · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Full-day stoppage by Grupo Renfe train drivers.

What is planned: Minimum services not yet published by the Ministry of Transport.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainGeneral strike in SpainStrike called

When: Wednesday 11 November 2026

Operators: All sectors · Unions: UGT, CCOO, CGT, CNT, Co.Bas, Intersindical

What is affected: Nationwide general strike over housing, pay and social rights. The impact on trains has not yet been specified.

What is planned: Minimum services not yet published.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainRenfe train drivers' partial strikeStrike called

When: Thursday 12 November 2026

Operators: Grupo Renfe · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Partial stoppages during the day; hours not yet published.

What is planned: Minimum services not yet published by the Ministry of Transport.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
ItalyCGIL general strikeStrike called

When: Friday 20 November 2026

Operators: All public and private sectors · Unions: CGIL

What is affected: Nationwide general strike, all day. On 27 October the Strike Guarantee Commission asked CGIL to exclude sectors already facing a strike, including rail (CUB/SGB strike the same day): the impact on trains is not confirmed.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
ItalyNational rail strike (CUB, SGB)Strike called

When: Friday 20 November 2026 at 21:00 to Saturday 21 November 2026 at 20:00

Operators: Rail companies (passenger and freight) · Unions: Cub Trasporti, Sgb

What is affected: Passenger trains, local rail services and freight.

What is planned: Trenitalia regional trains guaranteed 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00 (working days, Monday to Saturday); long-distance trains guaranteed according to Trenitalia's published list.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026

December 2026

ItalyGeneral strike (CUB and other unions)Strike called

When: Thursday 3 December 2026 at 21:00 to Friday 4 December 2026 at 21:00

Operators: All sectors, including rail · Unions: Cub, Sgb, Adl Varese, Si Cobas, Sbm, Sgc, Orsa, Slai Cobas, Fao Cobas, Slai Prol Cobas, Al Cobas

What is affected: Nationwide general strike; for railways, from 21:00 on 3 December to 21:00 on 4 December.

What is planned: Trenitalia regional trains guaranteed 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00 (working days, Monday to Saturday); long-distance trains guaranteed according to Trenitalia's published list.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainOUIGO Spain drivers' partial strikeStrike called

When: Friday 4 December 2026

Operators: OUIGO España · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Stoppages from 06:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 23:59, according to Spanish press.

What is planned: Minimum services uncertain: the ministry had set about 72%, but on 28 October the National Court provisionally suspended that decision. OUIGO has not yet published its list of trains.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026
SpainOUIGO Spain drivers' partial strikeStrike called

When: Tuesday 8 December 2026

Operators: OUIGO España · Unions: Semaf

What is affected: Stoppages from 06:00 to 12:00 and from 18:00 to 23:59, according to Spanish press.

What is planned: Minimum services uncertain: the ministry had set about 72%, but on 28 October the National Court provisionally suspended that decision. OUIGO has not yet published its list of trains.

Sources · checked 30/10/2026

Train cancelled or late because of a strike: your rights
In Great Britain, Delay Repay still applies on strike days, and you can get a fee-free refund if your train is cancelled (National Rail). In the EU, a strike by the operator's own staff is not an "exceptional circumstance": Regulation (EU) 2021/782 gives at least 25% of the fare from 60 minutes late and 50% from 120 minutes. If your train is cancelled, you can choose a refund or another journey.
Work out my compensation →

By month: Train strikes November 2026 · Train strikes December 2026

Where to find the official strike-day timetable

On the day, only the operator’s information is binding. Here are the official pages, country by country.

United KingdomNo national rail strike announced by the RMT or ASLEF unions as of 30 October 2026. Local strikes at individual train companies remain possible (Chiltern Railways, October 2026).
National Rail industrial action · RMT news · ASLEF news
FranceUnions give 5 days' notice; each worker concerned declares 48 hours ahead; SNCF must publish its strike-day timetable at least 24 hours before (law of 21 August 2007).
SNCF Connect traffic information
ItalyEvery strike is filed with the Strike Guarantee Commission. Regional trains are guaranteed 06:00–09:00 and 18:00–21:00 on working days (Monday to Saturday).
Guaranteed trains (Trenitalia)
SpainThe Ministry of Transport sets the share of trains that must run (minimum services).
Renfe press room
BelgiumNo SNCB strike notice found for November or December as of 30 October 2026.
SNCB
GermanyNo GDL strike is possible at Deutsche Bahn until 31 March 2028 (agreement with a no-strike clause).
DB–GDL agreement

Why some trains run and others don't

On a strike day, it is the operator, not the unions, that decides which trains run, based on the staff available and each country's rules. In France, workers must declare 48 hours ahead whether they will strike, so SNCF knows how many drivers and conductors it will have and publishes an adjusted timetable at least 24 hours before.

In Italy and Spain, the law sets a minimum service: guaranteed time bands in Italy, and a share of trains fixed by the ministry in Spain. In Germany, the agreement between Deutsche Bahn and the GDL drivers' union rules out any strike by that union until 31 March 2028.

On a given line, the impact depends on who is striking. Without a driver, a train cannot leave. Without a signaller in the box controlling an area, trains generally cannot run through it, whatever the operator.

Frequently asked questions

Are there UK train strikes coming up?

As of 30 October 2026, neither the RMT nor ASLEF has announced a national rail strike. This page is checked daily and each new strike is added with its source.

Is there a French train strike on 5 November 2026?

Yes. In a joint statement dated 15 October 2026, the four unions CGT-Cheminots, UNSA-Ferroviaire, SUD-Rail and CFDT-Cheminots called on all rail workers to strike on Thursday 5 November. SNCF must publish its strike-day timetable at least 24 hours before.

Are there train strikes in Italy in November 2026?

Yes, according to Italy's official strike register: two Italo strikes on 9 November and a national rail strike from 21:00 on 20 November to 20:00 on 21 November. A CGIL general strike is also called for 20 November, but the Commission has asked CGIL to exclude rail.

Are any trains guaranteed during a strike in Italy?

Yes. Trenitalia guarantees regional trains from 06:00 to 09:00 and 18:00 to 21:00 on working days, Monday to Saturday (07:00–10:00 and 18:00–21:00 on public holidays), plus a published list of long-distance trains.

Can I get a refund if my train is cancelled by a strike?

Yes. In Britain you can get a fee-free refund if your train is cancelled, and Delay Repay still applies if it runs late. In the EU, Regulation 2021/782 lets you choose a refund or another journey, and a strike by the operator's own staff is not an exceptional circumstance.

How are minimum services set in Spain?

The Ministry of Transport sets the share of trains that must run. For the Renfe strike on 29 October 2026: 73% of AVE and long-distance trains, 65% of regional trains and 75% of commuter trains at peak times.

Can there be a Deutsche Bahn strike this winter?

Not by the GDL drivers' union: its agreement with Deutsche Bahn includes a no-strike obligation until 31 March 2028.

Calendar kept by the TrainsNews team, last checked on 30 Oct 2026, 10:00 (Paris time). Every strike links to its source. Strikes can change until the day before: only the operator's information is binding. TrainsNews is not affiliated with any operator or union. Report an error · Version française : https://trainsnews.com/fr/perturbations-greves-trains