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Dockworkers Strike Friday Across 113 Ports, Target Arms Shipments

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Dockworkers in Italy and 21 nations will strike Friday to protest war and arms shipments.
The strike covers unions at 113 ports and could disrupt over 40% of Mediterranean cargo.
Organisers estimate a one-day delay could cost $43 million profit.
Over 100 ports will join the October 30 day of action demanding an embargo on Israel.
India’s Water Transport Workers Federation says 15 seafarers died because of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran.

History

In October 1973 OAPEC, led by Saudi King Faisal, imposed an oil embargo on countries supporting Israel, cutting supplies to the United States, the Netherlands, Portugal, Rhodesia and South Africa. The move pushed world oil prices from $3 to nearly $12 a barrel—a rise of about 300%—and reshaped Western energy policy. That precedent fuels today’s Italian dockworkers’ strike demanding an Israel embargo.

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In October 1973 OAPEC, led by Saudi King Faisal, imposed an oil embargo on countries supporting Israel, cutting supplies to the United States, the Netherlands, Portugal, Rhodesia and South Africa. The move pushed world oil prices from $3 to nearly $12 a barrel—a rise of about 300%—and reshaped Western energy policy. That precedent fuels today’s Italian dockworkers’ strike demanding an Israel embargo.

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