Dockworkers in 22 countries to stage global action against arms trade

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Dockworkers in 22 countries are set to stage strikes and protests Friday against the arms trade and the use of ports for weapons shipments, as part of an international day of action against war and genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Italy's Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) said the mobilization has expanded to more than 100 ports in 20 countries, with dockworkers joining the initiative to oppose arms shipments through maritime facilities.

17 Palestinian trade unions and confederations, as well as the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement, have also supported the action.

The action, backed by more than 25 trade unions at 113 ports, was launched by dockworkers' unions in Italy, France, Greece, Türkiye and Morocco.

Israel’s war against Gaza has killed more than 74,000 Palestinians and wounded over 175,000 since October 2023. It has also caused widespread destruction, affecting 90% of the enclave’s civilian infrastructure.