Travelers heading to Italy and Spain could face major transportation disruptions up ahead this week as workers prepare to strike.Rail passengers in Spain could see delays and cancellations beginning Thursday, Oct.29, while a nationwide strike in Italy on Friday could affect trains, flights and other forms of transportation, according to reports.In Spain, train drivers represented by the SEMAF union are planning a 24-hour strike Thursday that will affect Renfe, Spain's national passenger rail company, according to an announcement from the union.US WARNS AMERICANS TO STAY VIGILANT AS TERROR RISK LOOMS AT MAJOR VACATION HOT SPOTSEMAF cited concerns including railway safety, working conditions and what it described as unfulfilled commitments as reasons for the strike.The strike is scheduled to run from 12:01 a.m.
through 11:59 p.m., the union said.Some trains will continue operating during the strike under minimum service requirements.Travelers to and within Italy and Spain could face major transportation disruptions this week as workers prepare to strike.(Europa Press via Getty Images)The Spanish government has required 73% of Renfe's high-speed and long-distance trains and 65% of its medium-distance trains to run during the strike, according to Renfe.Renfe has pushed back against some of the reasons given for the strike.The company said it's completed the steps it was responsible for under a February agreement aimed at improving the country's rail system, according to a company press release.FURIOUS CROWDS PROTEST SKY-HIGH HOUSING COSTS AND MASS TOURISM IN MAJOR CITYIt also said it has moved forward with additional hiring and taken steps to improve train maintenance, while arguing that several other issues raised by the union are controlled by government agencies or other organizations."Is it safe to travel or should I reschedule the trip?""Renfe respects the exercise of the right to strike, but regrets a call that could affect thousands of travelers despite the pro...