Tomorrow, Wednesday 11 November 2026, there is a 24-hour general strike in Catalonia and the rest of Spain. It is called by CCOO and UGT together with CGT and other organisations, over housing, wages, the cost of living, collective bargaining, job insecurity and pensions. In Barcelona it will hit public transport hardest. Here is what to know before you leave the house.
Minimum services on public transport
For the 11 November strike, the Catalan government set (in an order published on 5 November) minimum services of 25% on the metro, TMB buses, urban and intercity buses, FGC, TRAM and Rodalies. They are only guaranteed in two windows:
- 6:30 to 9:30.
- 16:30 to 21:00.
Outside those hours there is no guaranteed minimum service. According to Metròpoli Abierta, the metro could be stopped from 5:00 to 6:30, from 9:30 to 16:30 and from 21:00 to midnight. The Aerobús to the airport keeps 50%. Transport for people with disabilities and school transport to centres with no public alternative run as normal.
For long-distance and high-speed trains, Renfe announced on 9 November that 73% of services will run, and 65% on average for regional trains. No minimum services had been published for taxis or flights in the sources consulted; expect crowding at peak times.
March in Barcelona
According to the Sindicat de Llogateres, the march leaves at 17:30 from the Jardinets de Gràcia. CCOO and UGT had not published a time or place on 9 November, so check their channels tomorrow. Expect street closures and crowds in the centre and the Eixample in the late afternoon, and possible temporary station closures when stations get too full.
Healthcare and schools
- Hospitals: A&E and special units run as normal; primary care at 25% staffing; CUAP urgent-care centres as normal and duty pharmacies open.
- Schools: it is a school day, with minimum staff. USTEC·STEs has called all education staff out, so some teachers may be absent. Each school will inform families. The next education strike is announced for Thursday 26 November.
Other nearby strikes
The SEMAF union has called a full Renfe drivers’ stoppage on Tuesday 10 and a partial one on Thursday 12 November, affecting Rodalies. Check your line before you set out.
Tips for getting around
- Leave much earlier than usual: TMB warned of waits of up to 30 minutes.
- Check TMB, FGC and Rodalies notices the night before and in the morning, because shifts can spread the percentage unevenly.
- If you can, work from home or walk: Barcelona is a compact city.
What to do in the city that day
Theatres, museums and venues may change hours or have fewer staff, so always confirm on their website before going. If you stay in your neighbourhood or get around on foot, you have walkable plans for strike day and free museums in Barcelona for when transport is running.
Strikers’ rights
Under Royal Decree-Law 17/1977, nobody can be dismissed or penalised for striking, the day is unpaid (deducted from the following payslip) and you do not need to notify your employer individually. Anyone formally assigned to minimum services must work.
Frequently asked questions
When is the general strike in Barcelona
Wednesday 11 November 2026, for 24 hours. It is called by CCOO and UGT together with CGT and other organisations, over housing, wages, cost of living, collective bargaining, job insecurity and pensions.
Will the Barcelona metro run on strike day
At 25% minimum service, only from 6:30 to 9:30 and from 16:30 to 21:00. Outside those windows there is no guaranteed minimum service. The same applies to TMB buses, FGC, TRAM and Rodalies.
What time is the general strike march in Barcelona
According to the Sindicat de Llogateres, at 17:30 from the Jardinets de Gràcia. CCOO and UGT had not published a time or place on 9 November, so check their channels to confirm.
Are schools open and are hospitals working during the strike
It is a school day, with minimum staff, and some teachers may be absent. A&E and the CUAP urgent-care centres run as normal and primary care works with 25% of staff.
Information subject to change: check each operator’s official notices. Sources: CatalunyaInfo (updated 9 November), Moncloa, Metròpoli Abierta and La Intersindical.
📖 Read nextWalkable plans for Barcelona's general strike day (11 November)
