Genoa Dockworkers Threaten Europe-Wide Shutdown

Dockworkers at Genoa’s port threaten a Europe-wide cargo shutdown (image source)

Dockworkers at Italy’s port of Genoa have warned they will halt all cargo movements to and from Israel on 22 September if communication with an aid flotilla bound for Gaza is interrupted, a strike that could paralyze European trade corridors.

Unione Sindacale di Base (USB) representatives rallied on 16 September, pledging immediate “lock-out” action should Israeli naval or coast-guard forces impede the Global Sumud Flotilla as it approaches Gaza’s coastline. “If our boats lose contact for even 20 minutes, we will shut down all of Europe,” said an unidentified dockworker at the USB rally, flanked by banners reading “Not a Nail to War.”

Genoa handles approximately 14,000 containers annually bound for Israel, transporting everything from electronics to agricultural machinery. USB’s contingency plan threatens downstream effects across Mediterranean shipping lanes, potentially redirecting cargo to French or Spanish ports and inflating logistic costs. “This is solidarity, not sabotage,” asserted USB dockworker Federica Rossi. “We stand with the flotilla’s humanitarian mission—and will act if it’s blocked.”

The Global Sumud Flotilla departed Barcelona on 31 August with 20 vessels carrying 350 crew, including activists such as Greta Thunberg and Liam Cunningham. Past flotilla attempts in 2024 and earlier this year were intercepted by Israeli forces, sparking dockworker protests in Greece and France. This round includes 300 tons of humanitarian aid loaded in Genoa, collected via local food drives and shipped under Music for Peace coordination.

Cook Islands shipping consultant Marco Bianchi warns of severe ripple effects: “Even a 48-hour shutdown in Genoa could disrupt just-in-time supply chains for automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, and perishables across Europe,” he said. “Insurers will hike premiums; freight forwarders will face forfeiture penalties.”

“We can’t stand by while aid to Gaza is blocked. Workers will be the shield for humanity.”– Unione Sindacale di Base rally speaker

Italian dockworkers have a legacy of solidarity strikes. In June and August 2025, USB forced delays on vessels carrying military equipment to Israel, chanting “Not our war” and underscoring labour’s role in humanitarian campaigns. Similar actions in 2024 in South Africa, Canada, and Greece highlighted global port solidarity networks.

Genoa ranks among Europe’s top five container hubs, with 2024 throughput exceeding 2.6 million TEUs. A Genoa work stoppage would divert an estimated 10 percent of Mediterranean traffic, elevating trans-Alpine truck volumes by 15 percent and adding US $100 million in logistic surcharges over a single week, according to industrial analysts at Novara Media’s transport desk. Dockworkers have scheduled a 22 September vote among 3,500 USB members at Genoa’s Fair Port complex to confirm strike action. Italian trade minister Adolfo Urso appealed for dialogue, offering to mediate with flotilla organisers and the Israeli embassy. USB has declined pre-conditions, insisting on guaranteed passage for all vessels.

Observers will track whether France’s Marseille and Spain’s Valencia ports echo Genoa’s stance, potentially coordinating synchronized work stoppages. Key questions remain: Will EU and Italian labour authorities sanction the USB action? Can port users reroute cargo affordably? And will the flotilla safely reach Gaza amid naval interceptions?