A transportation strike is planned for 17 December involving a work stoppage of all public transportation in Paris. The protest is to oppose the planned privatization of public transportation across the Île-de-France region, claiming a possible negative impact on salaries and working conditions of employees.
From 16 December through 10 January, the German government has called for the closure of non-essential businesses and schools in attempts to curb the spread of COVID-19 as infections increase. Restrictions on restaurants and bars, public recreation centers, and large events remain in place.
On 17 December from 10:00 to 14:00 local time, aviation employees of the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) affiliated with the National Union of State Managers (UNADIS) plan to conduct a four-hour strike. As a result, expect travel delays due to airport operations being affected.
On 12 December at 14:30 local time, various organizations are expected to gather at Place du Châtelet before marching to Place de la République in protests denouncing the national security bill prohibiting dissemination of photographs or videos identifying the police and gendarme. A large turnout is expected since multiple civic organizations and labor unions intend to participate.
On 12 December, a protest is expected by the Australian Student Environment Network and Uni Students for Climate Justice to criticize the government’s lack of commitment in addressing climate change. Protests aim to pressure the government to prioritize climate justice and reduce carbon emissions among other measures. Environmentalist group Extinction Rebellion (XR) protests through 19 December are to also proceed for the same cause.
Beginning 10 December, all cross-border rail services between Italy and Switzerland will be suspended indefinitely due to train personnel lacking the capacity to carry out COVID-19 safety checks ordered by the Italian government. The suspension will affect dozens of routes including long-distance trains between Milan, Italy, and Frankfurt, Germany.
As of 7 December, Fraser Island continues to be affected by bushfires. Fires began impacting Australia as of November, leading the country to issue complete fire bans across multiple states, and evacuation orders in some areas. Authorities expect conditions to deteriorate through rising temperatures, lightning strikes, and increased winds.
On December 9 at 21:00 local time, nationwide strikes are to begin on behalf of the energy sector. Employees under Electricite de France (EDF) plan to hold a 24-hour strike to protest a planned restructuring of EDF, claiming the new project would lead to dismantling and privatization of EDF therefore affecting employment.
Since December 1, when negotiations between farmers and authorities fell apart, protests across the country are taking place. The protests, causing large disruptions, are led by farmers demanding abolition of agricultural bills passed in September allegedly hurting labor protections. Authorities have previously dispersed demonstrations with force, resulting in clashes.
The German government has extended its national lockdown until 20 December. Indoor dining, entertainment facilities, gyms, etc will remain closed, takeaway dining is still permitted. Furthermore, the gathering limit has been reduced from 10 to 5. Face masks are mandatory at all times in public, and some nonessential businesses may reopen.
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