Progressive Politics

Port across Italy were reporting strikes and disruptions in their operations as unionized dockworkers staged a 24-hour strike to protest the alleged “militarization” of the ports. Reports indicate ships of Zim and MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company were being targeted and forced to hold offshore or divert.

Unione Sindacale di Base (UBB) called for the 24-hour action. They allege the ports are being “militarized” as shipments of arms and military equipment move on ships using their ports. The protest focused on arms to Israel, an issue that repeatedly appeared during the war in Gaza. Activists during the war protested against the ships moving through the ports and sought to deny port calls. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission is investigating incidents related to Maersk Line, Ltd.'s American-flagged ships denied port calls in Spain in 2024.