Dockworkers Halt Operations at Over 100 Ports in Global Strike

Dockworkers in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Turkey, and Morocco began a coordinated stoppage on Friday, October 30. The unions joined forces to halt the movement of weapons and military personnel through major European and Mediterranean hubs. The action marks part of a wider campaign targeting port operations in parts of Europe, the Mediterranean, and North America.

Organizers reported that more than 100 ports participated in the international day of action. A joint statement from the unions demanded an end to wars in the Middle East, specifically the conflict in Gaza. The group also called for an end to the militarization of ports. The statement declared that ports should not serve as transit points for weapons, ammunition, military equipment, or troops.

In Greece, the ENEDEP union led a strike at Piraeus, the nation's largest port. Ships also remained docked at several locations due to a separate seafarers' strike. That separate action sought better pay, working conditions, and safety measures. In Istanbul, Turkey, protesters gathered outside Haydarpasa port. They held a banner that read, "No to war, no to armament!"

Italy's Unione Sindacale di Base planned demonstrations in Genoa, Trieste, and Gioia Tauro. These local actions coincided with a nationwide general strike. Major Italian unions called the broader protest to address rising living costs, low wages, and military spending. France's CGT ports and docks federation ordered a one-day strike in Le Havre, Marseille, Dunkirk, and Rouen. The French union rejected the militarization of port facilities under European policies and criticized French government budget proposals that threaten social protections.

Supply chain management company C.H. Robinson issued an advisory to clients. The firm warned that operational disruptions and shipment delays may occur at participating ports. It noted that the duration and severity of these issues would vary by terminal and local participation levels. Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo, and logistics for Marsh, said a 24-hour strike is unlikely to cause material disruption to global trade flows. However, he noted it could affect perishable goods and time-sensitive shipments.

Judah Levine, head of research for Freightos, observed that the strike could worsen congestion at ports like Genoa. Vessels there already face one to two day waits for slots. Ed Anderson, a supply chain professor at the University of Texas, said the movement was not expected to cause outright shortages. He stated, "Just one day is not that much in terms of disruption."

Participation levels range from full-day strikes to shorter walkouts and demonstrations. The scale of the disruption remained unclear as the day progressed. The strikes add complexity to supply chains already under pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Other factors include climate-related events, El Niño, restrictions on the Rhine and the Panama Canal, and shifting tariff regimes.