Around two million people in Madrid face another day of chaos as the Metro strike continues, the Unions disregarding the minimum service agreement.
The EMT bus service has been extended and the government is negotiating with a private firm for a fleet of buses should the strike continue. The fleet of buses would cover all the routes normally serviced by the Metro.
The government of Madrid has also begun proceedings regarding the non-adherence to minimum service levels. The Unions say that such action, which could lead to the dismissal of workers, would only add fuel to the fire and that the government should handle the matter with tact and sensitivity.
The dispute relates to a decision by the Madrid government to reduce the salaries of Metro workers as part of an austerity package.