Global Dockworkers Strike Against Arms Shipments, Demand Better Conditions

Dockworkers in Europe and beyond staged strikes on Friday as part of an international campaign against arms shipments and to demand better working conditions, according to unions.

Unions in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco issued a joint call to end wars in the Middle East, including the conflict in Gaza, and to cease the "militarization of ports." The statement asserted that "Ports must not be used for the transport of weapons, ammunition, military equipment and troops." Organizers stated that over 100 ports across multiple countries participated in the protest movement, potentially impacting port operations in parts of Europe, the Mediterranean region, and North America.

In Greece, the ENEDEP dockworkers’ union called for a strike at Piraeus, the country's largest port. Separately, ships were docked at several Greek ports, disrupting ferry services, due to a seafarers' strike over pay, working conditions, and safety measures.

Protesters gathered outside the Haydarpasa port in Istanbul, Turkey, carrying a banner that read, "No to war, no to armament!" Italy's Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) reported planned port demonstrations in key ports such as Genoa, Trieste, and Gioia Tauro, coinciding with a nationwide general strike called by major unions protesting the rising cost of living, low wages, and military spending.

France's CGT ports and docks federation called a one-day strike in major ports including Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk, and Rouen. The union aims to reject the "militarization of port facilities" under European policies and protest the French government’s budget proposals, which they claim threaten social protections.

The full extent of the disruption remained unclear, with organizers indicating participation would range from full-day strikes to shorter walkouts and demonstrations. Supply chain management company C.H. Robinson issued an advisory to clients about potential operational disruptions and shipment delays at participating ports, with the severity expected to vary by location and level of local participation.

Experts anticipate a limited impact on the global supply chain. Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo and logistics for Marsh, stated that a 24-hour strike is unlikely to cause significant disruption to global trade flows, though it could affect perishable and time-sensitive shipments. He noted that the strike "adds another layer of complexity to supply chains already under pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, climate-related events, including El Niño, restrictions affecting the Rhine and the Panama Canal, and shifting tariff regimes."

Judah Levine, head of research for online shipping marketplace Freightos, suggested that at ports like Genoa, where vessels are already experiencing delays, the strike could exacerbate congestion. Ed Anderson, a professor of supply chain and operations management at the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas, commented that the protest movement was not expected to cause outright shortages, adding, "Just one day is not that much in terms of disruption."