---
title: Dockworkers Strike at More Than 100 Ports Worldwide Over Arms Shipments
description: Dockworkers struck at 113 ports in 22 countries over arms shipments, raising the risk of cargo delays on major European and Mediterranean trade routes.
image: https://media.supplyrisk.com/hubfs/AI-Generated%20Media/Images/Dense%20Container%20Yard%20At%20Blue%20Hour%20With%20Amber%20Cranes.png
---

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# Dockworkers Strike at More Than 100 Ports Worldwide Over Arms Shipments

by Lauren Palmer

 October 30, 2026

Coordinated dockworker strikes threaten freight movement across major European and Mediterranean trade routes.

Dockworkers launched coordinated strikes and protests across 113 ports in 22 countries on October 30, protesting military conflicts, arms shipments through commercial ports, and working conditions.

Backed by more than 25 labor unions, the strikes disrupted cargo operations and ferry services at some European ports, while raising concerns about potential shipment delays at other major shipping hubs. Organizers warned that more than 40% of Mediterranean cargo and over $2 billion in freight could be affected.

The campaign originated from dockworkers’ unions in France, Italy, Greece, Spain’s Basque Country, Turkey and Morocco, including France’s CGT Ports et Docks, Italy’s USB and Greece’s ENEDEP. In a joint statement, the unions called for an end to wars in the Middle East, including in Gaza, and “an end to the militarization of ports.”

“Ports must not be used for the transport of weapons, ammunition, military equipment and troops,” the statement said.

Organizers said the action targets major shipping hubs across Europe and beyond, including Hamburg, Valencia, Le Havre, Algeciras, Piraeus and Genoa, as well as Morocco’s Tangier Med and India’s Nhava Sheva. The action has since drawn support from unions including Germany’s ver.di, Ireland’s largest trade union SIPTU, and Denmark’s 3F.

The extent of participation and disruption remained uncertain. Italy’s Genoa port officials anticipated limited impacts, while Piraeus warned of potential disruptions to ferry services serving the Greek islands.

Beyond Europe, organizers warned that approximately a dozen ports in India could face disruptions, with the Water Transport Workers Federation of India (WTWFI) supporting the strikes.

The coordinated action follows the May 2026 Istanbul Declaration, in which dockworkers' unions from more than 35 European countries called for restrictions on weapons shipments through commercial ports to conflict zones. Participating unions have also raised concerns about maritime worker casualties, demanding higher wages, safer working conditions and access to medical personnel aboard vessels crossing conflict zones.

Logistics provider C.H. Robinson warned clients of potential shipment delays, while Freightos research head Judah Levine said the strikes could worsen congestion at ports such as Genoa, where vessels already wait one to two days for a berth.

 For more information

Reuters, [Dockworkers at more than 100 ports worldwide strike against arms shipments](https://www.reuters.com/business/world-at-work/dockworkers-more-than-100-ports-strike-against-arms-shipments-friday-2026-10-29/), October 30

Associated Press, [Dockworkers worldwide strike against arms shipments and to demand better working conditions](https://apnews.com/article/port-strikes-arms-shipments-france-greece-italy-4a8813406fd51b91b3b7d17826c1883d), October 30

Reflector, [Dockworkers worldwide strike against arms shipments and to demand better working conditions](https://www.reflector.com/news/national/dockworkers-worldwide-strike-against-arms-shipments-and-to-demand-better-working-conditions/article_ccee1cd4-8a73-51d3-be0e-d77e81cff4fb.html), October 30

World Cargo News, [Dockworkers strike against arms shipments across 113 ports](https://www.worldcargonews.com/news/2026/10/dockworkers-strike-against-arms-shipments-across-113-ports/?gdpr=deny), October 30

The Wall Street Journal, [Employers Near Deal to Delay Strike Threat at Los Angeles-Long Beach Ports](https://www.wsj.com/logistics-report/employers-near-deal-to-delay-strike-threat-at-los-angeles-long-beach-ports-e44a1734?mod=trending_now_news_1), October 30

---

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