EUROPE

United Kingdom (Security threat level – 3): On 23 June 2022, check-in and ground crew staff associated with British Airways at London Heathrow Airport (EGLL/LHR) voted in favor of a strike in response to an ongoing wage dispute. Approximately 700 workers — represented by the GMB and Unite unions — voted overwhelmingly in favor of the strike in response to British Airways’ refusal to reverse a 10% staff pay cut initially implemented at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although no specific date has been set for the labor action, the GMB has stated that it will most likely take place during the summer holiday season. The prime minister’s office has urged the two sides to come to an agreement before the implementation of the strike, as the United Kingdom continues to experience nationwide public transportation disruptions due to the current rail workers strike.

SOUTH AMERICA

Ecuador (Security threat level – 2): On the evening of 23 June 2022, riot police fired tear gas and stun grenades to repel thousands of protesters who attempted to enter the National Assembly building, located approximately 2 km (1 mi) southwest of Quito’s city center. After failing to bypass police barricades set up around the National Assembly, the protesters gathered at El Arbolito Park where another clash with security personnel occurred. At least one protester was killed and approximately 100 people were injured during the confrontations, including both demonstrators and security personnel. Clashes between security personnel and protesters have been frequent in Quito and throughout Ecuador in recent days as ongoing demonstrations led by the Confederation of Indigenous Nationalities (CONAIE) to demand that the government address rising fuel prices, agricultural section debt, and environmental grievances, enter their 11th consecutive day. The unrest and associated blockades have led to increased food and fuel shortages in Quito.

GOVERNMENT WARNINGS

Georgia (Security threat level – 2): On 24 June 2022, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi issued a Demonstration Alert regarding a potential demonstration in downtown Tbilisi, which reads in part as follows: “The U.S. Embassy has seen a call for a demonstration in downtown Tbilisi in the evening on June 24. Crowds have in the past and may block Rustaveli Avenue and other streets during demonstrations. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that large crowds are unpredictable. Confrontations and violence among event attendees, counterdemonstrators, and police can occur with little or no warning. U.S. government personnel are advised to exercise caution when traveling downtown and to avoid all areas of demonstrations.”