Spain's new transport minister fails to stop train drivers' strikes

Spain's new transport minister has had his first sit-down with the train drivers' union. It ended with no deal, and for now the strikes on Renfe (Spain's state rail operator) stay on the calendar.

Carlos Cuerpo, first deputy prime minister and economy minister, also took over the transport portfolio this week. His ministry called the meeting with the Semaf drivers' union a "first contact" aimed at building a "fluid relationship". Semaf said it ended "without progress".

What happened?

Cuerpo started a round of talks with the rail unions just two days after taking office. Semaf's representatives told him in person about the demands behind the current conflict. They also confirmed that, "for now", the Renfe strikes on 10 and 12 November are still on.

There is one more date to note: the union has been called back for another meeting this Friday.

There was one piece of good news. Ouigo's drivers called off their strikes planned for November and December after reaching a deal with the company. It covered repeated breaches of their collective agreement, especially on working hours, shift planning, rest and overtime pay.

Why is it such a headache?

The next two weeks could be a nightmare for rail passengers. The strikes announced before the deadly accident, initially nine days of them, now sit alongside the general strike on 11 November. On top of that comes a stoppage on 17 November linked directly to the Urda crash.

CCOO, one of Spain's biggest unions, has extended that 17 November call to Iryo and Ouigo staff, besides those at Adif (the rail infrastructure manager) and Renfe. The demand is greater safety on the network. A rally outside Congress is planned for Monday 16 November.

Semaf has also made its own call covering drivers at eight operators: Renfe, Iryo, Ouigo, Transfesa, Continental Rail, Tracción Rail, Captrain and Medway. Its position is clear: it will not shelve the conflict without "concrete, material and verifiable measures".

What's next?

Friday's meeting will show whether the minister can offer something Semaf accepts. Adif's works council meets again on 18 November to assess the situation.

Cuerpo has a second job too. He must find "the right person" to lead Adif, a short-lived presidency at what is probably the hardest moment in the organisation's history.

Some background: the Urda accident left at least 69 dead and more than 200 injured, and Cuerpo's predecessor, Óscar Puente, resigned after appearing in Congress to explain it.