Train strike: How workers are 'celebrating' centenary of Madrid's Metro
Commuters faced crowded platforms and long delays on Madrid’s Metro system on Thursday as train drivers ‘downed tools’ in protest at working conditions.
The strike action was called on the same day that the Madrid Metro celebrated its 100th anniversary.
100 years ago today was the inauguration of the Metro de Madrid, a new transportation system for Spain’s capital city ??
Today’s animated #GoogleDoodle celebrates the centenary of the sixth longest underground railroad in the world ? → https://t.co/MwauC9fZ1F pic.twitter.com/tijn5NIKXP
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) October 17, 2019
Authorities had announced that travellers could expect to find “surprise gifts” on Line 1 – the oldest of Madrid metro lines that was first opened on October 17 1919 – throughout the day.
They planned to celebrate the day with sweets for passengers and music performed at stations including Cuatro Caminos, Rios Rosas, Iglesias, Tribunal, Sol.
??? Regalos, música y exposiciones para celebrar los 100 años de Metro.
? ¡El 17 de octubre llenamos nuestras estaciones de sorpresas!#CentenarioMetro?
Entérate de todo ? https://t.co/1EGA1NIUF1 pic.twitter.com/qwm5sjPKIR
— Metro de Madrid (@metro_madrid) October 15, 2019
But instead passengers were forced to endure crowded platforms and long waits between services as the union approved a 24 strike.
Minimum services were in place between 6 am on Thursday until 2am on Friday morning with 58 percent of usual service required.
Train drivers have a range of complaints from breach of contract to lack of healthcare connected to asbestos poisoning.
READ ALSO: Going underground: Discovering Madrid's secret tunnels
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The strike action was called on the same day that the Madrid Metro celebrated its 100th anniversary.
100 years ago today was the inauguration of the Metro de Madrid, a new transportation system for Spain’s capital city ??
— Google Doodles (@GoogleDoodles) October 17, 2019
Today’s animated #GoogleDoodle celebrates the centenary of the sixth longest underground railroad in the world ? → https://t.co/MwauC9fZ1F pic.twitter.com/tijn5NIKXP
Authorities had announced that travellers could expect to find “surprise gifts” on Line 1 – the oldest of Madrid metro lines that was first opened on October 17 1919 – throughout the day.
They planned to celebrate the day with sweets for passengers and music performed at stations including Cuatro Caminos, Rios Rosas, Iglesias, Tribunal, Sol.
??? Regalos, música y exposiciones para celebrar los 100 años de Metro.
— Metro de Madrid (@metro_madrid) October 15, 2019
? ¡El 17 de octubre llenamos nuestras estaciones de sorpresas!#CentenarioMetro?
Entérate de todo ? https://t.co/1EGA1NIUF1 pic.twitter.com/qwm5sjPKIR
But instead passengers were forced to endure crowded platforms and long waits between services as the union approved a 24 strike.
Minimum services were in place between 6 am on Thursday until 2am on Friday morning with 58 percent of usual service required.
Train drivers have a range of complaints from breach of contract to lack of healthcare connected to asbestos poisoning.
READ ALSO: Going underground: Discovering Madrid's secret tunnels
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