Dockworkers Worldwide Strike Against Militarization, Wages and More

In what is being called the largest action of its kind, dockworkers around the world joined a strike call on Friday that was reportedly impacting as many as 113 ports in 22 countries. What was originally billed by the organizers as an effort against militarization of ports and shipments of war-related cargoes, however, took on a local tone with demonstrations against working conditions, calls for wage increases, and other issues.

Organizers highlighted that for two years dockworkers have stopped cargoes, mostly one ship at a time, to protest military cargoes. They pointed to efforts in Tangier, Piraeus, France, Spain, and elsewhere, using the broad theme “Dockworkers do not work for war.” The individual protests did result in delaying some ships and cargoes while others were diverted. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission recently announced it is planning penalties against Spain after Maersk Line, Ltd. ships were forced to divert over the suspicion they were carrying military-related cargoes to Israel.

In February 2026, the unions called for their first day of action. The coordinated efforts on February 6 reportedly involved 20 ports in seven countries. Organizers asserted they stopped five suspected ships.

Today’s action also started as a demonstration against militarization and specifically the war in Gaza. However, it quickly expanded to include local issues such as demands in France for increased minimum wages and higher salaries rather than bonuses, which the unions highlighted do not contribute to social security coverage. Other workers demonstrated against their working conditions.

This story was originally published by The Maritime Executive. Read the full story at The Maritime Executive →