Students protesting classroom overcrowding during COVID-19 clashed with police in Athens on 1 October. Demonstrations began at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, then marched to the parliament building. Tear gas was deployed to disperse crowds after protesters threw gasoline bombs at police. Continued protests and travel disruptions in Athens are likely in the short term.
Nurses in Argentina are planning to stage a nationwide protest on 1 October. The work stoppage will involve nurses in public hospitals across the country protesting the implementation of lower salaries. Protests will be held in the capital at 11:00 local time in front of the Palace of the Argentine National Congress and 13:00 at the city legislative building.
Istanbul should anticipate for travel disruptions that are due to weather, such as flash flooding caused by heavy rainfall through 30 September. Heavy rainfall in Istanbul has caused flash floods as well as hail and strong winds with great potential to blow trees down and cause road blocks.
Protests have erupted over the arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Protestors have clashed with police outside of the U.S. Embassy. Tear gas and dispersion tactics were used. Protests are possible for the remainder of the visit by the Secretary and are likely to take place near U.S. diplomatic buildings, his visit concludes on 30 September.
Beginning 29 September, medical workers nationwide will participate in a 48-hour strike. The work stoppage comes as a protest to government’s insufficient response to healthcare workers’ needs, and to demand the resignation of the Social Health Insurance EsSalud executive president. Details are still emerging about plans to gather in protest in addition to work stoppage. Disruptions to healthcare are expected.
The trade union Verdi, which represents thousands of workers from 130 public transport companies across the country, has called on its members to stage a nationwide strike on 29 September. Trams, buses, and the U-Bahn (metro) network are expected to be impacted. Reports state that in Berlin the above services will be impacted from 15:00 (local time) to midnight.
On 28 September a protest will be held in Parliament Square in London from 16:00 to 19:30 local time. Protestors from the Save British Farming group, a campaign representing farmers, consumers, and members of the food production industry, plan to drive tractors and other farm vehicles to oppose a proposed bill by the government to lower food production standards in the United Kingdom for future food trade deals.
Nationwide strikes by transport labor unions will disrupt public transportation starting on 28 September. The unions are demanding an increase in COVID-19 protective measures for employees, as well as increases in social welfare benefits and employee pensions. The most affected region is Wallonia, with heavy disruptions in Brussels and Liège.
Ongoing strikes by bus drivers in the United Federation of Trade Unions are expected to expand nationwide on 26 September leading to massive disruptions on bus transportation. The strike is expected to expand from 3,800 to approximately 8,500 bus drivers. There has been no indication of when the strike is expected to end. Expect possible shortages of available transportation due to increased demand.
Yellow Vest protestors have announced their plans to march in Paris on 26 September. The protest comes as a response to the disappearance of a Yellow Vest activist at a traffic accident. The march is set to gather at Porte Doree and proceed to the Palace of Nations before concluding at the Place d’Italie. Disruptions to travel and clashes with local authorities are expected.