In the heart of France's bustling port cities, a sense of anticipation is building. The CGT union, representing 90% of port workers, has called for a 24-hour strike on October 30, to protest government budget measures. This initial action, led by the Fédération nationale des ports et docks CGT, is expected to affect 14,000 workers. The CGT, known for its strong stance on workers' rights, has already begun to mobilize, setting the stage for a broader disruption.
As the strike approaches, the stakes are higher. The CGT has called for a 24-hour strike, affecting 14,000 workers and impacting 330 million tons of cargo handled in French ports annually. This massive disruption is expected to ripple across the European continent, as the French port network is a critical node in global trade. The strike aims to protest against government budget measures, which dockers believe are unfairly impacting their working conditions and wages. The union's demands are clear: they are calling for better wages, better working conditions, and a more equitable distribution of the economic benefits generated by the ports.
NEW: On Friday, dockworkers at 111 ports in 22 countries and regions on five continents will stop work in a coordinated strike against war, according to the most recent information from the organizing unions. More than 25 dockworkers’ unions have now signed on, from Marseille to Mumbai, Hamburg to Montevideo, Melbourne to Oakland. Days ago the count stood at about 100 ports in 17 countries, and that figure doesn’t include the dozens of unions in other sectors that have pledged support. Their demand is simple: no weapons and no military cargo through their ports. Nearly everything the world ships passes through the docks, and without the workers who load and unload it, nothing moves. In France, the main dockers’ union says the country’s ports will be 95% shut. Italy, India, Greece and Turkey face 24-hour strikes, and Morocco and Cyprus will see stoppages of up to two hours, with rallies planned in port cities around the world. In Greece, metalworkers, ship-repair workers and young people are joining the dockers, and in the US, ILWU Local 10 is striking in Oakland and San Francisco. The unions are working from the Istanbul Declaration, signed in May, with each one deciding for itself how to take part. They are also fighting for their own jobs, against cuts from automation and for contracts, raises, shorter hours and safety. The unions point to escalating wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and the danger of a generalized war. They condemn Israel’s new crimes in Hebron, carried out with the backing of the US, NATO and the EU. Israel’s lockdown of the city is now in its sixth day, with more than 3,000 Palestinians displaced, according to the UN. Palestinian unions have endorsed Friday’s action. In Italy, the fight has spilled beyond the docks. The union USB has called for a nationwide general strike. Last night, the Italian government ordered transport workers back on the job last night. USB said it would defy the order and accept the steep penalties. The unions are calling on workers and young people everywhere to stand with the dockworkers, saying “Ports for peace and the peoples, not launching pads for war.” I’m reporting from Calabria, Italy, and I will be in Genoa tomorrow ahead of the strike to report on the ground during the mobilzation.
The strike is not just a local issue; it has far-reaching consequences. Cargo handling in French ports will be severely disrupted, with 95% of French ports and 87.5% of port handling staff participating. This means that the ports, which handle 330 million tons of cargo annually, will come to a standstill. The impact extends beyond France's borders, as European ports, which rely on French ports for critical logistics, will also feel the pinch. Shipping companies and importers are bracing for delays and increased costs, as goods flow through Europe's major ports.
Shipping companies and importers are bracing for delays and increased costs, as goods flow through Europe's major ports.
For the dockers and port workers, this strike is about more than just wages. It's a fight for dignity and respect in the workplace. The CGT union, which represents 90% of port workers, has been vocal about the need for better working conditions and a living wage. The union's demands are simple yet profound: they want a wage increase that reflects the true value of their labor and the critical role they play in the global economy.
From Mexico to India: Dock and port workers from atleast 100 international ports, are taking action against war and genocide on 30 October. They are demanding an end to militarization, Israel’s genocide against Palestinians, and US-Israeli wars of aggression. Join them. https://t.co/mQzmYmIUN3
As the strike approaches, all eyes are on the outcome. The next few days will be critical in determining whether the government and the CGT can find a compromise. If the strike is successful, it could lead to broader changes in labor policies and wage structures. However, if the government stands firm, the strike could result in significant economic disruptions and a further deterioration of working conditions. For now, the ports of France and Europe are on the brink of a major disruption, with the future of the global supply chain hanging in the balance.