Dockworkers unite across 113 ports in global anti-war protest

Dockworkers unite across 113 ports in global anti-war protest
Sam Chambers October 30, 2026 https://splash247.com/dockworkers-unite-across-113-ports-in-global-anti-...

One of the largest coordinated port labour mobilisations in history is underway today, with more than 25 unions staging strikes and demonstrations at 113 ports across 22 countries and territories.

The worldwide action, organised under the banner “Dockworkers do not work for war”, has expanded dramatically from a smaller mobilisation involving 20 ports across seven countries in February.

Major gateways involved include Hamburg, Le Havre, Marseille, Genoa, Gioia Tauro, Piraeus, Tangier Med, Mersin and India’s Nhava Sheva.

France’s CGT has called a 24-hour walkout across approximately 24 ports, predicting that as much as 95% of national port activity could be halted.

Italy has registered a nationwide 24-hour ports strike, coinciding with a general strike affecting other transport sectors.

In Greece, seafarers’ unions have called 24-hour stoppages expected to disrupt ferry services at Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Patras and Igoumenitsa.

Organisers estimate that participating unions represent workers handling around 40% of Mediterranean container traffic, with up to 40,000 containers potentially delayed.

However, the actual disruption remains uncertain. Some ports are holding demonstrations rather than stopping cargo operations, while Genoa’s port authority anticipates relatively limited disruption.

The campaign primarily opposes military cargo shipments through civilian ports, alongside demands for improved wages, working conditions and protections against automation.

Although unprecedented in scale for this particular campaign, claims that it is the world’s largest port strike remain unverified. An international solidarity campaign for Liverpool dockworkers in January 1997 involved 105 ports and cities across 27 countries. No further worldwide coordinated strike date has been announced.

Separately, a potential November 1 strike involving 250 port watchmen threatens operations at Los Angeles and Long Beach, although negotiations to avert the stoppage are continuing. Italy also faces another national general strike on November 20.