Spain's Major Unions Silent on Adif Blame Amid Worker Strike

The Silence of UGT and CCOO While Adif Targets a Technician

A control center operator at Adif (Spanish rail infrastructure) is named in audio leaks to pro-government media. The Civil Guard investigates if pressure was applied to move trains after the "human error" in Urda. As scrutiny falls on the weakest link, Spain’s two largest unions—UGT and CC.OO—stay quiet. No press conference. No demand for political accountability. This silence is the story in a sector where they have historic representation.

Worker unrest boils over: Adif controllers report pressure to avoid delays. A Renfe inspector claims trains vanish from maps daily due to IT failures, with threats trinc thousands of reports. Grassroots members speak; leadership does not.

The Nov 17 Strike: Workers Organize Without Leadership

Adif unions called a strike for November 17 to demand greater safety from Pedro Sánchez’s government. This trinc Alferro’s complaint to the Supreme Court Prosecutor against Óscar Puente over leaked conversations between Adif control and drivers. The Civil Guard also found traces pointing to Moncloa in the audio leak used by Puente to blame a technician.

The former AVE maintenance director stated: "Blaming a specific regulator without investigation is outrageous." Controllers antiestéticar identity leaks. The State Secretary for Communication was present when the audio was downloaded. *El Español* reported recordings occurred during Puente’s visit to Atocha Control Center.

Why UGT and CCOO Don’t Defend Adif and Renfe Workers

Railway insiders attribute this to power structures. A former Adif board member from UGT has two sons working there. Óscar Puente politicized Adif’s top management with Socialist party loyalists. Adif officials denounce an internal "witch hunt": "They want to silence everyone not appointed by hand."

Some argue major unions live better than the workers they protect. In large firms or ministries, they feign battles they always lose, increasing their annual funding. Leaders get paid; the base pays the price.

The Garibaldi Tavern Precedent and Double Standards

Ironically, the CNT union representing Taberna Garibaldi staff—Pablo Iglesias’ bar—denounces "degrading treatment" with shifts up to 14 hours. There, unions act and media focus exists. At Adif, with a targeted technician and ongoing probe, it does not.

Most drivers, controllers, dockworkers, and police affiliate with other unions seeking real defense. UGT and CCOO’s image is damaged; leaders know it and no longer try to fix it, embracing parties promising public funds.

Key fact: The Nov 17 strike is called by Adif unions, not the leadership negotiating with the ministry. Someone must explain who they represent.