More than 25 dockworkers' trade unions spanning 22 countries will disrupt operations at over 110 ports on October 30. The mobilization grew out of regional meetings held in early 2025 across Mediterranean port hubs to address privatization and the war in Gaza. While some countries will see full-day shutdowns, others are staging limited-duration walkouts alongside appeals to non-maritime workers. The campaign follows the formal adoption of the Istanbul Declaration to establish the global day of action.
Key points
Maritime unions are utilizing their control of key infrastructure to demand an end to mil…: Maritime unions are utilizing their control of key infrastructure to demand an end to military shipments to Israel.
Participating labor organizations are explicitly advocating for the recognition of an ind…: Participating labor organizations are explicitly advocating for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders.
Labor organizers in countries such as Italy and Greece are actively urging workers from o…: Labor organizers in countries such as Italy and Greece are actively urging workers from outside the port sector to join the strike.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
More than 25 dockworkers’ trade unions in over 110 ports in 22 countries are going on strike on October 30.
Dock and port workers have long had a tradition of solidarity with the oppressed, upheld by strong labour unions and workers’ rights.
In February 2025, nearly a year and a half into Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, dockworkers’ unions from Mediterranean countries came together to disrupt weapons shipments to Israel and Western countries’ military support of the onslaught.
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“Weapons need transport, infrastructure, and workers’ hands to reach their destination,” Markos Bekris, leader of Greece’s dockworkers’ union, ENEDEP, at the Port of Piraeus in Athens, told Al Jazeera. “That is where our power lies.”
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Coordinated by maritime labour groups across six Mediterranean and European nations, the demonstrations target regional militarisation and conflicts across the Middle East, including the ongoing war in Gaza. Organizers issued a joint declaration refusing to facilitate the movement of troops, military equipment, or ammunition through commercial transport facilities. This coordinated push disrupts key maritime hubs as workers take a stand against serving military logistics chains.