Barcelona bus strike action will disrupt public transport across the metropolitan area throughout November and December, affecting thousands of daily commuters.
Workers from Marfina Bus, part of the Moventis group, have called five days of industrial action on November 15 and 22, plus December 5, 24 and 31.
The strikes target public bus services operated by the company in Baix Llobregat and other Barcelona metropolitan areas.
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Trade unions CCOO and UGT have organised the protests following eighteen months of unresolved labour disputes with Marfina Bus.
Barcelona Bus Strike Highlights Systemic Labour Issues
Union representatives have denounced deteriorating working conditions since the company won the public service contract for these metropolitan routes. They report marathon shifts exceeding nine and a half hours, unsustainable route timings, disciplinary proceedings, dismissals and sanctions against staff.
This industrial action follows a failed mediation attempt with the company and a recent ruling from Barcelona’s social court number 16. The court found that Marfina Bus had violated the right to strike of three drivers and CCOO union delegates.
Furthermore, workers await a trial after CCOO filed a lawsuit in January 2025 challenging changes to employment conditions implemented under Article 41 of the Workers’ Statute. These changes affected holiday entitlements and other fundamental rights.
The Metropolitan Council of the Barcelona Metropolitan Area has imposed three serious sanctions on Marfina Bus totalling 495,000 euros. These penalties address systematic failure to maintain published timetables on two routes operated by the company.
Additionally, the CGT union has reported the dismissal of a union delegate and approximately one hundred medical leaves due to work-related anxiety. Union representatives argue that the service contract change has degraded both working conditions and service quality for public bus users.
Marfina Bus, belonging to the Moventis group, operates public lines in L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat and other Barcelona municipalities. The company secured the service contract in 2024 for 145.3 million euros.
According to official Moventis channels, the Barcelona bus strike will affect the following routes: L16, L20, L21, LH1, LH2, M12, M14, PR1, PR2, PR5 and X30. The disruption will impact Barcelona, Cornellà de Llobregat, El Prat de Llobregat, Esplugues de Llobregat, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat, Sant Feliu de Llobregat and Sant Just Desvern.
During strike days, daytime services in Barcelonès and Baix Llobregat will operate with minimum service levels of 33% throughout the day. Commuters should anticipate significant delays and consider alternative transport arrangements.
This industrial action occurs amid broader transport challenges in the region, including recent metro security staff strikes that have affected underground services. The coordinated labour disputes highlight ongoing tensions in Barcelona’s public transport sector.
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