The general strike called for tomorrow, October 15, in support of the Palestinian people has a wide impact in Madrid, affecting public transport, schools, universities and hospitals.
Called by trade unions and pro-Palestinian groups (CGT, Solidaridad Obrera, ASC, Confederación Intersindical, Madrid por Palestina, BDS), the day demands the end of the Israeli offensive in Gaza, and is maintained although yesterday the peace agreement was signed in Egypt, led by the president of the United States, Donald Trump, and with the president of Spain as a witness of the moment along with 20 other world leaders.
This general strike also wants to make visible the international complicity in the conflict during the two years it has lasted. The majority unions (UGT and CCOO) have opted for partial strikes of two hours per shift, while the Student Union is calling for a total stoppage of classes and a big educational march.
The main route of the demonstration in the capital will be from Atocha to Callao from 19:00 h, adding a morning student march at 12:00 between Atocha and Sol.
Minimum services in transport in Madrid: Metro, Cercanías and EMT
The Ministry of Transport has decreed minimum services to guarantee essential mobility:
- Cercanías: 75% minimum services in rush hour and 50% in off-peak hour.
- Metro de Madrid: circulation of 80% of trains during rush hour (7:30-9:30, 14:00-16:00, 18:00-20:00), 50% during off-peak hours.
- Metro Ligero: 50% in rush hour, 30% in off-peak hour.
- EMT: 30% in the specific network and 20% in the concurrent network throughout the day.
- Interurban/Urban: 50% from start to 9:30 a.m., dropping to 45% the rest of the day.
Education: schools, colleges and universities
The Students Union calls a 24-hour strike in all educational centers in Madrid, including public and private high schools and universities, with the organization of marches and rallies (especially at 12:00 between Atocha and Sol). The student movement promotes the total strike and protests against the partial strikes of the majority unions.
Health and hospitals
The minimum services in health centers and hospitals, as agreed by the Government Council and published in the BOCM, have been set to ensure non-delayable care, emergency coverage and inpatient, outpatient and home care. Each hospital must be open with sufficient staff to prevent emergencies from collapsing.