The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure in the Madrid Community has decided to closed all the metro stations in the capital today as a result of a strike by rail workers.
The move came after pickets prevented trains from leaving, the Union voting not to adhere to minimum manning and service levels.
Around two million passengers will be affected by the strike. The Ministry of Transport hopes that at least some of the effects of the strike may be alleviated by increasing the frequency of the bus service and of the commuter train.
The workers are striking in protest against the austerity measures introduced in the region. The Madrid Assembly approved a motion to reduce public service salaries by 5%, a measure being carried out in most municipalities in most regions. The law also allowed for a 2.15% reduction in the salaries of Metro workers and this was also approved, much to the annoyance of the Union who then called a strike in protest.