Our United MEC Safety, Health and Security Committee and United Corporate Security have received reports of many protest activities that are scheduled for the coming weeks in several the international cities in which we layover. At this time, these protests are not anticipated to affect Flight Attendants or United's operation, however situational awareness should always be practiced.
We ask you to exercise caution if you find yourself in proximity to a protest and avoid any potential conflict areas whenever possible. As part of standard safety practice, refrain from visible displays of jewelry, wallets, watches, etc. Keep a low profile. If you do encounter a threat, it is important that you report the crime to the local police and to corporate security at United Airlines. Always complete a TVLLOG
We ask that you please review common safety practices posted on our website that should be observed not only when traveling abroad, but at all times.
Please note: additional protests may be scheduled in the coming days. Our United MEC Safety, Health and Security Committee will release updates if necessary.
Brussels, Belgium
Supporters of the FGTB union are planning on staging a demonstration outside the European Council building (Rue de la Loi) on November 14, 2012 at Noon local-time; the building is approximately two miles from UA's crew hotel.
Rome, Italy
Rallies may be expected; locations have not yet been announced.
Lisbon, Portugal
German chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting Lisbon on November 12, 2012; various groups are expected to demonstrate. One rally is scheduled to take place at the Palacio de Belen (approximately six miles from UA's crew hotel) at 4 p.m. local time. A general strike is scheduled for November 14, 2012; air and public transportation may be disrupted.
Madrid, Spain
Two unions have announced plans to stage an overnight sit-in beginning November 14, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. local time outside the Congress of Deputies building; outbreaks of unrest are possible at the Puerta de Sol (approximately two miles from UA's crew hotel). Air and train travel will be substantially disrupted and several major trade unions are calling for a day-long strike.
Paris, France
A rally is scheduled for November 14, 2012 at 2 p.m. local time at Place du 18 Juin, near the Montparnasse rail station.
Berlin, Germany
A rally is scheduled for November 14, 2012 at 3 p.m. local time at Pariser Platz, in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
Geneva, Switzerland
November 14, 2012 a rally is planned in the banking district; small-scale protests may occur outside the embassies and consulates of Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Italy.
London, UK
The Coalition of Resistance is scheduled to demonstrate at the European Commission in Smith Square, Westminster (approximately two miles from UA's crew hotel), beginning November 14, 2012 at 5 p.m. local time.
National Union of Students are organizing a rally expected to take place on November 21, 2012. Participants may meet at 11am local time near the city's Temple Underground station and march via the Victoria Embankment and Westminster Bridge to Kennington, where the event will conclude around 3pm local time.
Bangkok, Thailand
On November 24, 2012 a rally is expected to take place at the Royal Plaza by activist groups calling for the government's resignation. Reports expect this rally to be well attended; however security forces are prepared for the crowd. Traffic disruptions are likely.
Buenos Aires, Argentina
On November 20, 2102, a nationwide strike and accompanying demonstrations may disrupt transportation throughout Buenos Aires. In addition a rally is scheduled to take place at the Plaza de Mayo.
Kuwait
Controversial changes to an electoral law have inspired tens of thousands of Kuwaities to demonstrate; clashes between demonstrators and police forces have occurred in recent weeks. Rallies and protests are expected the coming weeks until the parliamentary elections held on December 1, 2012.
Bahrain
Violence between anti-government protesters and security forces is continuing which has led to the deployment of the National Guard throughout the country. The country's majority of Shia population is expected to continue to stage protests, especially during the Islamic month of Muharram (beginning November 14, 2012) and particularly on November 24, 2012, which commemorates the holy Shia holiday of Ashura.
Flight Attendants can monitor the U.S. Department of State's Overseas Security Advisory Council website, http://www.osac.gov, which will post any notification released by the U.S. Government.