UNITED KINGDOM - Londoners have had to deal with severe disruption to their morning commute during the biggest strike on the London Underground for 13 years. Commuters faced lengthy and difficult trips to work on Thursday after the 24-hour industrial action, which began at 6.30pm on Wednesday, forced the entire tube network to close for the first time since 2002. Some rail and bus services were reported to be full before 6am, and most cabs were booked up from Wednesday night. Media is reporting some bus drivers are refusing to move the buses due to overcapacity issues.

 

UNITED KINGDOM - A 48-hour strike on First Great Western (FGW) trains has left tens of thousands of commuters facing severe disruption. High-speed services between London, the West of England and Wales have been halved by the industrial action, which started at 18:30 BST on Wednesday. FGW said more than 60% of services were "operating as normal" but the RMT said the figures were "pure fiction". The dispute is over plans to dispose of guards and buffet cars on FGW's new Hitachi Inter City Express trains. The RMT's Mick Cash said: "FGW are running a skeleton service in some areas which is dangerously overcrowded and being operated by inadequately trained managers, raising serious safety issues which RMT will be taking up formally. However a spokesman for the train operator said safety is "our top priority" and "we would not operate a service without the correct number of safety competent people on board". FGW is operating a revised timetable and said it expects to add additional train services throughout the day. Services between London, the West and South Wales have been reduced by more than half and some suburban rail services have been cancelled. The industrial action is likely to affect fans returning from the first Ashes Test match in Cardiff. FGW said it will be operating limited services returning from Cardiff to Bristol Parkway and London Paddington, following the cricket but there will be no direct services to Bristol Temple Meads. It has advised passengers to make alternative travel arrangements where possible. The strike coincides with a separate, 24-hour stoppage on London Underground, which has closed the entire Tube network.

Strike timetable changes

• Bristol Temple Meads to London services reduced to one an hour, and north to Gloucester every two hours
• London to Cardiff services reduced to one an hour with services extending to Swansea only during peak travel times
• Penzance to Plymouth services to run every two hours but many local services have been cancelled
• Most services from the Thames Valley into London Paddington are expected to run as normal. Passengers travelling west will face disruption

RMT general secretary, Mick Cash said: "The company still feel that the configuration of the new super express trains is out of their control and that it would be in their best interests to have 'driver-only' operations and to remove the buffet cars. "That position is totally unacceptable and the union is clear that the design of the new fleet of trains is a matter for First Group and that there is still time to modify the rolling stock." In an open letter to customers, FGW's Mark Hopwood said the new trains would have more staff, not fewer. He said staff's existing pay and conditions would be protected and there would be "no compulsory redundancies for station and customer service staff". The first Hitachi trains will run on the Great Western main line from 2017 and the East Coast main line from 2018. The new trains are being introduced under the Intercity Express Programme (IEP) on routes between London Paddington and Oxford, Bristol and South Wales.

 

EUROPE - The warning by Sweden-based trade unions Seko and ST comes just days after Danish airline workers' unions Flight Personnel Union (FPU) and the Services Union announced plans to take industrial action against Ryanair starting on July 18th. "It feels natural to be there for the Danish unions in an important conflict," said Seko negotiations secretary Valle Karlsson in a statement on Wednesday. The threatened strike is part of a long-running conflict over Danish labour unions' demand for collective agreements, which the low-cost Irish airline has thus far flatly declined to enter into negotiations on. "It is unreasonable that employees should be forced to work for companies that lack collective agreements what with all it implies in terms of less job security and in the long term worse pensions," said Karlsson. Sympathy strike measures include a blockade of all work involving any Ryanair flights being redirected to Swedish airports from Copenhagen and Billund due to the conflict on the other side of the Öresund strait. This could include loading and offloading luggage. "We support our Danish colleagues in their trade union fight for good working conditions at Ryanair," said ST chairman Britta Lejon in a statement. The Danish LO union has previously said it will also join the Services Union in the July 18th industrial action. Because an LO sympathy strike would bar other Danish unions including 3F, Dansk Metal and HK from doing work for Ryanair, it would make it nearly impossible for the airline to operate out of the Danish capital during the strike. Welcoming around 25 million passengers every year, Copenhagen Airport is the main hub for travellers flying to or out of southern Sweden, which is connected to Denmark by the Öresund bridge. But Ryanair has previously warned it will abandon the base if the unions make good on their strike threat. Its CEO Michael O'Leary hit back at unions at a press conference in Copenhagen on Tuesday in an attempt to refute what he called "complete rubbish" and "false claims" from the unions about the company's pay and conditions. "We operate a very efficient, very productive system and our people work for us because they choose to work for us," he told Danish TV2 just before the press conference. "They have high pay and job security, which SAS and Norwegian employees don't at the moment." Ryanair's entry into Copenhagen has been full of turbulence, with the airline and Danish labour unions in an ongoing war of words since Ryanair announced its intentions for a Copenhagen base in October 2014.

 

SPAIN - Air traffic controllers affiliated with the USCA union are set to strike across Spain on 11, 12, 25 and 26 July. Work stoppages on 11 and 25 July will take place between 10:00 and 13:00 local time. Stoppages on 12 and 26 July will occur between 17:00 and 20:00. The strike action is in protest against the sanctioning of 61 controllers and the firing of one other over a strike in 2010 that, at the time, resulted in the total closure of Spanish air space. Although contingency plans to minimise the effect of the upcoming work stoppage are likely to be implemented, flight disruptions including delays and possible cancellations should nevertheless be anticipated. Persons intending to make use of air transport services in Spain during the aforementioned strike period are advised to contact their travel provider or airline for further information regarding the status of their flight(s).

  

 

HONG KONG - As the typhoon is approaching, we expect flight operations to be affected. We will implement a flight rescheduling control system from 7pm-6am," said an Airport Authority spokeswoman, as cited by SCMP. A Singapore Airlines spokesperson confirmed to TODAY that three of their flights have been retimed. SQ002 from Singapore to Hong Kong was originally scheduled to fly at 6.30pm today, but will only take off at 8.15am tomorrow. The departure time for Hong Kong-bound SQ868 has also been retimed from 7.55pm today to 9.15am tomorrow morning. Finally, SQ857 from Hong Kong to Singapore has been retimed for departure from 9.15am tomorrow to 2pm. A Tigerair spokesperson also confirmed to TODAY that two of their flights were affected. TR2068 from Singapore to Hong Kong, scheduled for today has been retimed to 8.30am tomorrow. TR2069 from Hong Kong to Singapore, meant to depart at 9.45pm tonight, will also be retimed to 1.10pm tomorrow. The Changi Airport website has also listed details on delayed flights. Jetstar flights 3K695, 3K691, 3K697, 3K695 meant to depart Singapore at 3.45pm today, 6.20am tomorrow, 10.10am tomorrow, and 3.45pm tomorrow respectively, have been retimed to 9am, 9.30am, 1.30pm and 4.35pm tomorrow. Meanwhile, Jetstar flights from Hong Kong that have been affected include 3K696 (to depart at 5.25pm tomorrow instead of 12.10am. Scoot flight TZ220, departing from Singapore, has also been retimed from 1.55am tomorrow to 4.20pm. More details are available on the Changi Airport website. A notice on Hong Kong International Airport website advises passengers to contact their airlines for the latest flight information or check with the airport's website before departing for the airport. Typhoon Linfa is expected to reach Hong Kong this evening and will last till tomorrow morning. Schools, child care centres, elderly services centres and day rehabilitation units in Hong Kong will all be closed, reported SCMP.

 

CHINA(GUANGDONG PROVINCE) - Typhoon Linfa made landfall on Thursday in south China's Guangdong Province, where trains have been suspended, schools closed and thousands of fishing boats recalled to port. Linfa made landfall in Jiadong Township of Shanwei City at 12:15 p.m., packing winds of up to 35 meters per second, according to the provincial meteorological station. It has weakened into a strong tropical storm and is moving westward. Downpours brought by the typhoon have flooded some regions in Shanwei and also cut electricity to about 370,000 households there and its neighboring city of Shantou. In Shanwei, the typhoon affected 710,000 residents, 31,110 of whom have been evacuated to safety, damaged 6,739 houses and inflicted an economic loss of 248 million yuan (40 million U.S. dollars) by Thursday afternoon, the local government said in a statement. The typhoon has not caused any injuries or deaths. Due to Linfa and the forthcoming typhoon Chan-Hom, 66 trains linking Shenzhen and Hangzhou, capital of the eastern Zhejiang Province, were halted on Thursday and another 14 are scheduled to be halted on Friday and Saturday. Gales and torrential rain have hit Shantou City, about 100 km from the landing point, since Wednesday night. Trees in Shantou were brought down by strong winds while three main bridges to Shanwei and an offshore island county have all been closed as of Thursday morning. With a complex route and changing intensity, Linfa was expected to make landfall in coastal regions stretching from Shantou to Zhangpu City in Fujian Province. About 10,400 fishing vessels returned to ports in five cities in Guangdong. The province issued a yellow alert for Linfa on Wednesday, closing kindergartens, elementary and middle schools in 15 counties.

 

EAST ASIA - Tropical Storm Chan Hom is expected to begin impacting on Japan's Okinawa and Ryukyu islands and northern parts of Taiwan within 24 hours, possibly as a Category 3 storm. The storm is forecast to continue in a north westerly direction towards China's east coast, possibly making landfall within 36 hours; however, this may happen sooner. Authorities in the city of Shanghai have cancelled all coastal train services over 9 and 10 July as a safety precaution ahead of Chan Hom. In addition, in the Philippines, authorities have issued flood warnings for the provinces of Laguna and Cavite, located in the northern region of Luzon. Although the storm system is not forecast to make landfall in Luzon, the region is expected to be impacted by heavy rain, the ground has already been saturated by heavy rain from Tropical Storm Linfa, which passed over Luzon in recent days. The storm system is likely to bring heavy rainfall over the near-term, which may be conducive to flooding in low-lying areas and landslides in elevated regions. Strong winds, coastal storm surges and adverse maritime conditions are also anticipated. In addition to ferry service disruptions, air and road transport services may be affected. Power supply and communication disruptions should also be anticipated. Clients in or planning to travel to the affected areas over the near-term are advised to monitor local media for updates and advisories from the authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying and elevated regions due to the risks of flooding and landslides, respectively. Travellers should reconfirm all scheduled services with their travel provider or the local transport authority prior to departure.

 

COSTA RICA - Inclement weather, including flooding, has been affecting multiple provinces in Costa Rica in recent days. Flooding is currently affecting the Limon, Sarapiqui, and Cartago provinces. In the worst-affected Sarapiqui province (Heredia province), at least 580 people have been evacuated from their homes. Various roads, including route 415 in Turrialba, have been closed due to damages caused by landslides. The heavy rain and flooding coincides with Costa Rica's annual rainy season (May to October). Further adverse weather conducive to flooding and landslides is likely over the near-term across the country. Meteorological authorities have forecast more heavy rain in the coming 36 hours, which is likely to exacerbate the current situation; road travel disruptions, as well as utility disruptions should be expected throughout the affected areas in the short-term at least. Clients in Costa Rica should monitor local media for weather updates and advisories from the local authorities. Caution is advised in low-lying and mountainous areas due to the respective threats of flooding and landslides.

 

TURKEY(ISTANBUL) - Thailand's consulate in the Zincirlikuyu area of Istanbul, Turkey, was attacked, ransacked and slightly damaged by hundreds of protesters during the evening of 8/9 July. The protesters, linked to the East Turkestan Education Association, had gathered earlier to protest against the recent deportation of dozens of Uighur Muslims in Thailand to China. The deportation issue has also strained relations between Turkey, which hosts a larger Uighur community, and China, and has increased anti-Chinese sentiment in Turkey due to China's alleged discrimination against and ill-treatment of Muslims in China during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (18 June to 17 July). On 4 July, suspected Turkish nationalists reportedly attacked a group of South Korean tourists in Istanbul, believing that they were Chinese nationals. The deportation issue and China's alleged mistreatment of its Uighur population may prompt further protests or related acts of violence in Turkey over the near-term. Chinese and Thai diplomatic representations remain possible gathering points of protesters. Chinese or Thai travellers or businesses may also be targeted by pro-Uighur protesters. Clients in Istanbul are advised to exercise caution in the vicinity of areas where protesters may gather. Furthermore, persons of Asian descent in Turkey, specifically Chinese or Thai travellers, should avoid conversations regarding the Uighur concern with persons unknown to them. Should confrontations develop, leave the area or seek out local security force officials.

NICARAGUA(MANAGUA) - Protesters clashed with police at an opposition demonstration in Nicaragua's capital, Managua, on 8 July. Several protesters were reportedly injured in the clashes. Police made use of teargas to disperse the crowds and blockaded roads in the immediate vicinity, disrupting traffic in the area. The protest, which took place outside the headquarters of the Supreme Electoral Council, was organised to demand fair election rules and a change of electoral magistrates ahead of the 2016 presidential elections. The protest is the most recent of several anti-government protests that have reportedly taken place in the capital. Further such demonstrations are anticipated in the near-term. In light of the recent incident, the risk of low-level clashes at future events cannot be discounted. Clients in Managua are advised to monitor local media for updates on possible protests and avoid all large street gatherings as a standard precaution against civil unrest.  

 

ALGERIA(GHARDAIA PROVINCE) - (Update) Communal violence involving members of the Arab Chaamba (Sunni Muslim) and Berber Mozabite (Ibadi Muslim) communities has left at least 22 people dead in Algeria's central Ghardaia province on 7 and 8 July. The worst-affected areas are El Guerrara, Berriane and parts of Ghardaia city. Violence, which deteriorated into a gun battle, left at least 19 people dead in El Guerrara during clashes overnight on 7/8 July. The fighting has largely centred on the Ouled Sayah area of the city. The clashes coincide with violence which left two people dead in Ghardaia and one person dead in the Mechata area of Berriane. The recent clashes follow violent unrest between Arab Chaamba and Berber Mozabite communities in the Kef Hamouda and Baba Saad areas of Berriane and the Melika and Sidi Abaz areas of Ghardaia city overnight on 4/5 July. The police maintain a heavy presence in cities and towns across Ghardaia province. Given the recent violence, tensions remain heightened and further confrontations, including retaliatory attacks, are possible in the affected areas. An increased police and possible military presence is also expected to remain in the area over the near-term. Additional patrols and checkpoints should be expected.  Clients should note that due to the elevated threats of terrorism and kidnapping, all non-essential travel is advised against outside of cities and major towns in Ghardaia province. Clients travelling in or through the province should do so with a security driver or trusted local contact and avoid travel at night, as well as all street protests and concentrations of security force personnel. In light of an apparent escalation in fatal clashes, clients should defer travel to El Guerrara, Berriane and Ghardaia city and the immediate surrounds until the situation stabilises.

PERU - (Update) A 24-hour strike organised by the General Confederation of Workers of Peru (CGTP), the largest trade union in Peru, is currently underway across the country on 9 July. The national strike has been organised to denounce corruption and to demand increased wages. The strike is likely to be well supported; as such, disruptions to business operations and transport services should be anticipated. Additionally, associated protests across the country are possible. Outside of Lima, possible protest gathering points include labour-related government buildings, major public squares and parks or city centres. The risk of low-level confrontations at all related gatherings cannot be discounted.  Clients operating in Peru on 9 July should avoid all street gatherings as standard precaution. Itineraries should be adjusted to cater for possible public transport disruptions.   

 

LEBANON(BEIRUT) - An anti-government demonstration, initiated by the Free Patriotic Movement (FPM), is expected to affect Lebanon's capital, Beirut, on 9 July. In addition, road blockades are expected to accompany the demonstration. It is not clear which areas will be affected; however, unconfirmed reports indicate that it the north and eastern entrances to the city will be impacted. Further details have not been provided. The FPM is a Christian opposition party lead by Michel Aoun. The upcoming demonstration and associated road blockade has been called in response to the central governments perceived neglect of Christian political rights as well as their failure to appoint senior military and security officers. There is a threat of violence at all politically motivated gatherings in Lebanon. Police-initiated violence is likely to occur if protesters block major roads. The potential for severe traffic disruptions in Beirut during the upcoming demonstration and related agitation is considered elevated. Clients are advised against all non-essential travel to Lebanon due to ongoing political instability and insecurity in the country. Persons in Beirut should exercise caution while driving on all major roads and should avoid street protests and road blockades as a precaution.

 

PAKISTAN - Shiite Muslims in Pakistan will commemorate the martyrdom of the revered Shiite religious figure, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (known locally as Youm-e-Ali), on 9 July (or 21 Ramadan on the Islamic calendar). In addition to Shiite processions on 9 July, further large-scale processions will also be held on 10 July. Security in urban centres has been increased ahead of and during the commemorative period, and additional security forces have been deployed to imambargahs (Shiite congregation halls). Authorities have stated that in addition to the heightened security measures, mobile phones' signals will be blocked in major urban centres, and riding pillion on motorcycles will be banned for the duration of the event in multiple cities, including Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur and Peshawar, among others. As sectarian tensions between the majority Sunni Muslim population and the more conservative Shiite minority are particularly acute during periods of religious significance, it should be noted that all Shiite processions, shrines and events throughout the country are considered to be at a heightened risk of attacks during this period. Additional security checkpoints should be anticipated in Pakistan's urban centres, especially in Quetta, Karachi and Peshawar, and in the vicinity of Shiite shrines. Due to a number of ongoing security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons in or planning to travel to the country are advised to exercise heightened security awareness in the vicinity of all Shiite religious events, processions and sites.

IRAN/ISRAEL/LEBANON - Anti-Israel and pro-Palestinian protests are expected in parts of the Middle East on 10 July, including in Iran, Lebanon and Israel, to commemorate Quds Day (International Quds Day). Quds Day is typically held on the last Friday of Ramadan (18 June to 17 July). In Iran, rallies are expected to be well attended and are likely to occur in major cities, including in the capital, Tehran. In Lebanon, demonstrations are anticipated in the southern districts of the capital, Beirut, and in other Hezbollah strongholds in southern and eastern Lebanon. In Israel, related gatherings are expected in the Gaza Strip and across the West Bank. Demonstrations in Palestinian towns in Israel, notably in the northern half of the country, are also possible. The rallies in Iran and Lebanon are likely to pass without major incident; however, road travel disruptions are possible near potential rally sites (public squares, city centres, government buildings and mosques). In Israel, the risk of violence is elevated and increases further should protesters march towards Israeli security force positions or Jewish settlements. Clients in Iran, Lebanon and Israel on 10 July are advised to monitor local developments closely in their area of travel and should liaise with their local contact or security provider about potential rallies. All related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution. In addition, please note that due to various security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to the Gaza Strip and against all non-essential travel to the West Bank and Lebanon. In Lebanon, clients are also advised against all travel into Palestinian refugee camps, within 15km of the shared border with Syria and to areas south of the Litani River.

HUNGARY(BUDAPEST) - The annual Budapest Pride March is expected to take place in Hungary's capital, Budapest, on 11 July. Participants are expected to gather at the intersection of Nagymezo Street and Andrassy Avenue at 15:30 local time. Road closures and associated travel disruptions within the vicinity of central Budapest should be anticipated. Further details regarding the event are available via http://budapestpride.com/. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Budapest Pride Festival which began on 3 July and is expected to conclude on 12 July. The event is expected to be well attended. No explicit threats have been made to disrupt the event and no counter-demonstrations are currently scheduled to take place. Nevertheless, opposition to gay pride events in Hungary remains significant and previous parades have resulted in violent confrontations between security forces and counter-demonstrators, notably those from the ultra-nationalist Jobbik party. As such, the possibility of nationalist and/or right-wing elements targeting the upcoming march cannot be discounted. Clients in Budapest on the affected date are advised to avoid the scheduled pride march and related gatherings as a precaution, and should anticipate road closures and localised traffic disruptions.

BELGRADE/SREBRENICA - The Srebrenica massacre is expected to be commemorated in Serbia's capital, Belgrade, on 11 July. Activists and civil society groups are expected to gather in front of the National Assembly (Nikola Pasic Square) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the massacre. In a separate commemorative event, thousands of people, including heads of state and high-level diplomats are expected to gather at the memorial cemetery in Potocari, near Srebrenica in Bosnia and Herzegovina on the same day. Further details regarding the upcoming events are unavailable; however, heightened security should be expected in the vicinity of the Serbian National Assembly and Srebrenica Genocide Memorial. Events commemorating the Srebrenica massacre are typically held in various locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina and in other countries worldwide on 11 July. No incidents of violence have been reported on the anniversary in recent times; however, tensions often increase during the period and security is generally elevated at commemorative locations. Travel disruptions should also be anticipated and all related gatherings should be avoided as a standard precaution.  Clients in Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina are advised to exercise caution near commemorative gatherings and should expect increased security in and around Belgrade, Potocari and Srebrenica.

PAKISTAN(KARACHI) - Further water shortages are possible in the coming days in Pakistan's city of Karachi following reports of shortages there in recent days. The shortages were sparked by a power outage in the city on 7 July. City officials initially stated that water would be restored shortly thereafter, but have subsequently indicated that due to problems with restoring pressure at pumping stations, the shortages may continue for several days; an exact timeframe for this has not been provided. Should the water shortages continue, they are likely to prompt protest action in Karachi, given the precedent set in the past by disruptions to amenities such as water and electricity. There is a high risk of violent civil unrest at all politically motivated gatherings in Karachi. The possibility of clashes between police and protesters cannot be discounted. Furthermore, in the event of additional power outages, the water shortages may be prolonged, and significant disruptions to business operations, travel, banking, internet, telecommunications and other electronics-based services should be anticipated. Localised travel disruptions should be anticipated in the vicinity of any protests or gatherings. Due to a number of security concerns, clients are advised against all travel to Pakistan. Persons in Karachi should ensure adequate supplies of bottled water are procured in the event of further shortages. In addition, all protest action should be avoided as a precautionary measure.

INDIA(IMPHAL) - A curfew has been in place in Imphal, administrative capital of India's north eastern Manipur state, since 16:00 local time on 8 July. The curfew is also in effect in the surrounding districts of Imphal East and Imphal West. The curfew was implemented after protests in Imphal turned violent, leaving one protester dead in confrontations between police and demonstrators. The duration of the curfew is unknown; it remains in place on 9 July. The authorities have also deployed additional security force personnel to the city in light of the recent unrest.  The protesters involved were part of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), an organisation formed to pressure the local government to draft laws which would restrict the influx of migrants into the state. Tensions remain elevated in Imphal, and further protests are possible. Given the imposition of the curfew, security forces are likely to respond swiftly and decisively to any protests; as such, the potential for violence at any related gatherings is considered high. Persons in north eastern India are reminded that, due to persistent insecurity, all non-essential travel to Manipur and a number of other states is advised against. Persons in or planning to travel to Imphal are advised to monitor local media, abide by the directives of the authorities and the conditions of the curfew and avoid all large public gatherings.

 

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