Spanish train drivers have launched a nationwide strike demanding increased investment in safety, maintenance, and staffing following recent fatal crashes that have shaken public confidence in the rail system. The strike has paralyzed much of the country's transportation network.

The industrial action comes after several serious rail accidents that union leaders say could have been prevented with proper maintenance and adequate staffing levels. Workers are demanding hiring freezes be lifted and infrastructure upgrades be prioritized.

Complicating matters further, severe storms have caused widespread flooding across Spain, displacing thousands of residents and damaging infrastructure. The combination of strikes and weather has created a transportation crisis for the country.

The Spanish government is negotiating with unions while also coordinating emergency response to the flooding. Officials have promised to address safety concerns while urging strikers to consider the impact on emergency services and flood relief efforts.

For Gen Z Spanish workers, the strike highlights ongoing tensions between labor rights and economic pressures, showing how infrastructure neglect can have deadly consequences when profits are prioritized over safety.