Commuters and attendees of the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) face significant travel disruption. A five-day strike will reduce services on Barcelona’s Ferrocarrils de la Generalitat (FGC) train network from February 24-25 and March 2-4. Services will be cut by up to 75% outside peak times, although the government mandates minimum service levels.
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Crucially, the strike’s second phase coincides with MWC, the world’s largest mobile technology event. This event will draw over 100,000 visitors and workers to the Fira de Barcelona Gran Via venue. The action affects the crucial Llobregat-Anoia and Barcelona-Vallès lines, though the Lleida-La Pobla line will operate normally.
Minimum Services Set Amid MWC Rush
The Department of Business and Employment of the Generalitat de Catalunya established a two-tiered plan for minimum services. For the initial strike days on Tuesday, 24 and Wednesday, 25 February, trains will run at 50% capacity during peak hours (6:00 to 9:00 and 16:00 to 18:00). For the remainder of the day, services will be cut to just one in four scheduled trains.
In anticipation of the surge in passengers for MWC, which brings a huge economic boost to the city, minimum services will increase from March 2 to 4. During peak hours, two out of every three trains (66%) will operate. Outside of these hours, the service will run at 33% capacity. The government based this decision on FGC’s own projections, which estimate a 17% increase in demand for the Llobregat-Anoia line directly serving the conference venue.
A Fractured Union Front
Initially, the Sindicato Español de Maquinistas y Ayudantes Ferroviarios (SEMAF) train drivers’ union called the strike, citing demands for “greater safety” as the primary reason for the walkout. SEMAF represents a minority 13% of the FGC company committee but holds significant leverage as it represents the critical train driver workforce.
However, in a late development, the Comissions Obreres (CCOO) union announced it would join the strike, but only during the three days of the Mobile World Congress. El Periódico reported that CCOO stated it was joining the action to:
“respond to the demands of the entire workforce.”
The union’s grievances are broader than SEMAF’s. They include demands to rectify alleged breaches of the current collective agreement, fill all vacant positions, and address issues such as worker safety, rest periods, and the reuse of deteriorating materials.
However, the labour front is not united. UGT, the majority union at FGC, is not aligned with the protest. It has suggested the strike is motivated by the proximity of union elections, scheduled for November.
FGC Expresses ‘Surprise’
In an official statement, FGC management expressed “surprise” at SEMAF’s strike call. They claimed the union had not formally raised its concerns with the company’s leadership before announcing the industrial action. The operator described the protest as “artificial” and “highly damaging for user mobility,” especially considering ongoing service issues on the separate Rodalies de Catalunya network, which also faces disruption from strikes.
Despite this, the public company assured it would guarantee the mandated minimum services and maintain an open dialogue with the unions. They advised all passengers to check its official website, app, and social media channels for real-time travel information during the strike period.
With thousands of international visitors relying on public transport, the strike places Barcelona’s infrastructure under a microscope. Travellers are strongly advised to plan their journeys well in advance, allow for extra time, and consider alternative routes to navigate the city during the congress.
