FRIDAY'S metro driver strike in Madrid has been called off 'to give the company time to respond' to workers' request for their qualilfication status to be upgraded to reflect their professional skills, a move they say has far-reaching effects for them during their working lives and when they retire.
But if the public-sector company Metro de Madrid does not agree to at least start negotiations by March 21, the weekly Friday strikes will be back on, warn drivers' unions.
Workers had planned to down tools at all four rush hours for maximum impact, but both the company and Madrid regional government had told unions they would only talk if the forthcoming strike action was cancelled first.
If these talks fail or no action is taken by the company and the regional government, strikes will restart every Monday instead, but just between 05.50 and 08.30, meaning the majority of commuters will be late or unable to get to work.
Metro drivers say their job category is defined as 'unskilled manual labour', despite the fact they have to take a course and a qualilfication, a regional government exam, several post-qualification tests and practicals, and that their job involves a very high level of responsibility.
They want to be logged as 'electronic traction operators', a professional category which would bring them greater benefits and protections, such as disability allowance if they suffer physical or psychological damage.
Drivers inist they are not seeking a pay rise, just a change in document category.
