Madrid metro drivers call off 24-hour strike over Pride
Madrid metro drivers call off 24-hour strike over Pride
DRIVERS on the Madrid metro have called off their strike scheduled for today (Saturday), which was in protest over having to work an extra hour to cover the Gay Pride festival in the city.
Instead of finishing at 01.33 on Sunday morning, underground trains were due to continue until 02.33 and stations were to close at 03.00 instead of 02.00.
But drivers considered the extra €50 in their pay packets and the hour off in lieu to be insufficient compensation, and announced a 24-hour strike, which would have led to transport chaos at a time when the city is always packed out for this gigantic, colourful international festival.
Drivers wanted eight hours off in lieu and €75.
The franchise company which runs the metro in the capital has offered to pay double time for the extra hour and give drivers two hours off in lieu, which has been accepted.
The later train times – with the last one leaving at 02.33 and station closure at 03.00 – has now been confirmed again.
