Title: Marseille Dockworkers Take Stand Against Arms Shipment to Israel
In a bold move reflecting their principles, dockworkers at the port of Marseille-Fos in southern France made headlines on June 4, 2025, by halting the loading of a container destined for the Israeli military. This shipment, which included 19 pallets of ammunition links for machine guns, was flagged by the investigative platform Disclose.
The dockworkers, affiliated with the CGT union, issued a strong statement explaining their refusal to facilitate what they termed an act of genocide by the Israeli government. In response to alerts from various activist networks regarding the shipment, the union took proactive measures. They informed their employers and relevant authorities before successfully identifying and segregating the controversial cargo.
The union’s communiqué emphasized that the Marseille-Fos port should not serve as a conduit for military supplies to Israel, advocating instead for peace among nations. The dockworkers stressed their commitment to opposing armed conflicts that lead to loss of life, misery, and the displacement of communities.
This incident highlights the growing intersection of labor rights and political activism, illustrating how workers are increasingly willing to take a stand on global humanitarian issues. As the world watches, the actions of these dockworkers raise critical questions about the role of ports in international arms trade and the responsibilities of labor unions in global affairs.