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.
Travelers in Paris on 25 September should avoid the vicinity of Boulevard Richard Lenoir (11th arrondissement) in the coming hours, due to an ongoing security operation. Police ask that people avoid the area due to reports of a stabbing incident where at least four have been injured. While a suspect has been arrested, security operations are still in progress and may continue in the coming days.
Tropical Storm Dolphin is forecast to impact Japan on 23-25 September. It is expected to bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, and rough seas in Honshu, including Osaka. Then the storm will move northeast over Tokyo, Sendai, and nearby areas in northern Japan: Izu Islands, and the Tokai, Kinki, and Kanto-Koshin regions. In the past, storms of this nature have caused severe disruptions.
Travelers in Rome and across the Lazio Region can expect heavy disruption to public transportation on 25 September due to a large 24-hour strike called by the USB union representing workers from ATAC, Roma TPL, and Cotral. The strike will be effective at 10:00-17:00 and 20:00 onwards (local time). Avoid Rome’s network of buses, trams, metro, and light rail services by these providers.
Protests led by far-right groups Free Solidarity and the Taegeukgi Revolutionary National Movement are to take place on 3 October during South Korea’s National Foundation Day. Protests will occur in the Jongno and Jung districts of Seoul. Rallies and mass gatherings remain banned until 11 October, so violent clashes between the police and protesters can not be ruled out. Times and locations remain uncertain.
Pro-Catalan independence groups have called for protests in Barcelona on 3 and 6 October. Reports indicate that groups will stage a demonstration at 12:00 (local time) in front of the High Court of Justice of Catalonia (TSJC) building on 3 October. An “anti-repression” demonstration on 6 October is also expected. Protests are organized to commemorate the third anniversary of the Catalan independence protests.
An anti-government protest is set to take place on 22 September at 10:00 local time. The protest will gather at the presidential office building. The previous anti-government protest that took place in Bulgaria on 2 September resulted in at least 200 injuries with tens of thousands in attendance. Expect clashes between police and protestors.
The 15 September forecast of Tropical Cyclone THIRTEEN-20 heads to Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. The storm strength and population in the area are predicted to create a high humanitarian impact over the following 72 hours, with winds increasing up to 130 km/h from the initial 75 km/h. Winds are expected to begin dissipating on 18 September.