The port workers' strike took place simultaneously in 113 ports across 22 countries on October 30. This action was aimed at preventing the shipment of arms to Israel and using commercial ports for military logistics.
Economic and Geographical Impacts
This strike, organized under the banner "Port Workers Don't Work for War," involves over 25 unions across five continents. It is estimated that around 52,000 containers worth approximately $2.8 billion may be delayed. The direct economic cost of this strike is estimated at $57 million, although these figures have not been independently verified.
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The largest disruptions have been concentrated in France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey, where unions have announced 24-hour strikes. Work stoppages and other demonstrations are also taking place in Morocco, Cyprus, and other countries, while Italy has also held a general strike.
Expansion of the Protest Movement
This protest movement has expanded beyond its traditional European and Mediterranean bases, with actions taking place in India, Australia, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, and the United States. On the West Coast of the United States, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) Local 10 has participated in actions in Oakland and San Francisco.
Organizers have released an interactive map and a list of participating ports, which includes major transport hubs such as Valencia, Algiers, Barcelona, Hamburg, Piraeus, Genoa, and Tangier Med.
Participation in these strikes varies by location, ranging from full daily strikes to short stoppages and solidarity demonstrations at port gates. All participating ports have experienced disruptions in loading.
This campaign follows a previous day of international action on February 6, which involved 20 ports in seven countries, and represents a significant expansion in coordinated labor opposition to the movement of military cargo through commercial transport networks.
The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) has supported this campaign and called on governments and employers to respect workers' rights to refuse to carry military cargo without retaliation. Stephen Cotton, ITF General Secretary, stated: "Governments must stop the flow of weapons that are used to violate international human rights."
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