Dockworkers at more than 100 ports worldwide strike against arms shipments

Dockworkers in 22 countries are preparing a Friday strike against war and the use of ports to ship weapons. More than 25 unions have backed the action across 113 ports, expanding an initiative first called by unions in Italy, France, Greece, Spain’s Basque Country, Turkey and Morocco. Organisers say the stoppage could affect more than 40% of Mediterranean cargo and disrupt over $2 billion in freight. Major hubs named include Hamburg, Valencia, Le Havre, Algeciras, Piraeus, Genoa, Tangier Med and Nhava Sheva, with about a dozen Indian ports also potentially affected. The scale of participation and disruption remains uncertain: Genoa expects limited effects, while Greek unions warn of interrupted ferry services.

The protest reflects unions’ opposition to ports serving as routes for arms bound for conflict zones. In May 2026, dockworker unions from more than 35 European countries issued the Istanbul Declaration, calling for port facilities not to transport weapons to war zones. Organisers say ports have become logistical bases for war, while Indian maritime workers point to seafarers killed or stranded amid the US-Israeli war with Iran. Greece’s ferries are expected to remain docked, and Piraeus workers plan a three-hour stoppage; other Greek unions will strike for 24 hours. Italy’s USB has also called a nationwide general strike, with demonstrations planned in more than 40 cities. The Global Sumud Flotilla says it will take coordinated actions on the water in support.