Cypriot Dockworkers Join Global Port Protest

Dockworkers in Cyprus joined a global day of protest on Friday, with demonstrations at the ports of Limassol and Larnaca against the use of port facilities for arms shipments and the militarisation of trade routes. The action was organised locally by the Segdamelin-PeO union and formed part of an international day involving dockworker unions in multiple countries. Organisers said the action had the backing of more than 25 unions from 22 countries and involved 113 ports. The protests and strikes were directed at the use of ports to move military equipment to conflict zones. In Cyprus, Segdamelin-PeO also raised demands for decent wages, stable employment, collective agreements and stronger health and safety protections. The international action included calls for 24-hour strikes in France, Italy, India, Greece and Turkey, while workers elsewhere held rallies. The reports describe a broad international mobilisation, but do not establish that every port listed by organisers experienced a strike or protest. In France, CGT Ports and Docks secretary-general Tony Hautbois said ports were expected to be 95 percent shut during the Friday strike. The union instructed workers not to load...