General assemblies of dockworkers and metalworkers in Piraeus, Greece, have boosted preparations for the International Day of Action of Dockworkers on October 30, 2026, with workers voting to strike and discussing their demands.

Both struggles link opposition to the wars of the US, NATO and the EU with the fight for wage increases, collective bargaining agreements, and protection of workers’ lives, health and safety.

On September 29, the well-attended general assembly of ENEDEP, the dockworkers’ union at Piers II and III in Piraeus, voted to strike on 30 October. Discussions focused on demands for better pay, full-time employment for all workers, the resolution of social insurance issues relating to heavy and hazardous work, and work regulations that ensure safety on the job.

ENEDEP president Markos Bekris warned that handling military cargo exposes the port and its workers to the dangers of war. He linked Greece’s involvement in imperialist wars to rising food, fuel and electricity prices.

The assembly also decided on a work stoppage on October 25 in memory of dockworker Dimitris Daglis, who was killed at work in 2021, and on continuing mobilisations after the international strike.

On September 30, at the Perama Ship Repair Zone, the general assembly of the Metalworkers’ Union of Attica and the Greek Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry approved the draft of a new collective bargaining agreement and voted to strike on 30 October. Discussions centred on wage demands, defending gains on working hours, and ensuring the mandatory application of the agreement throughout the sector.

The union’s president, Sotiris Poulikogiannis, stressed the importance of workers’ unity and participation. He recalled the achievement of a 35-hour working week, with five seven-hour days and breaks included in working time. Particular attention was given to the need for a contractual provision making contractors responsible for the immediate return to Greece of crews working in war zones.

The link between the two struggles was underlined by Damianos Voudigaris, vice-president of ENEDEP, who addressed the metalworkers’ assembly. Stavros Toumanidis, president of the Ship Carpenters’ Union, also called for participation in the strike.

These decisions strengthen international trade union coordination for the October 30 action, building on the strikes and mobilisations of 6 February. The initiative already extends to more than 60 ports under the common slogan: “We dockworkers do not work for war.”