Port Workers Stage Global Day of Action Refusing Arms Shipments

Overview

• The global mobilisation was carried out on October 30 and organisers said it involved more than 25 unions coordinating actions at 113 ports across 22 countries.
• In Genoa roughly 10,000 people, including port workers and students, blocked a port gate and joined marches tied to a national general strike called by USB.
• Port unions framed the action as a refusal to handle weapons and a protest against the militarisation of port infrastructure under the slogan 'Ports for the people, not launching pads for war'.
• Unions linked the anti-arms stance to labour demands for higher pay, shorter hours, stronger health and safety rules, and protections against job losses from automation.
• The day escalates a campaign that began with a February 2025 Mediterranean mobilisation and has produced a clash with Italian authorities after Transport Minister Matteo Salvini issued precettazione orders that USB publicly rejected.