In a landmark decision, the Swedish Dockworkers' Union has voted to enforce a blockade on the handling of military equipment destined for or originating from Israel, answering an urgent call for solidarity from Workers in Palestine.

This decisive action, supported by 68% of members in a ballot, underscores the union’s unwavering commitment to international solidarity and its moral obligation to stand with workers facing grave injustices. The blockade is set to start this week. The union has sent letters to Swedish companies, the Swedish military and Swedish government agencies informing them that they may be affected by the blockade.

“Our members refuse to accept ’business as usual’ when at least three thousand Palestinian children under the age of five have been killed and more are dying from imposed malnutrition and dehydration. We feel we have to do what we can to disrupt trade that is prolonging this horrifying situation by funding or arming Israel” said the Vice-Chairperson of the Swedish Dockworkers' Union.

The vote follows mounting evidence of mass atrocities in Gaza, where the situation has reached catastrophic levels. Over 45,338 Palestinians have been killed in relentless airstrikes, according to OCHA-oPt, many more remain unaccounted for under the rubble. The UN’s World Food Programme reports that 91% of Gaza’s population faces acute food shortages. Gaza's healthcare system is in collapse, unable to meet the overwhelming needs of the injured and the sick, while the destruction of essential infrastructure has left many without access to clean water or electricity.

In the face of such widespread devastation, the Swedish government has continued its military trade with Israel, including agreements with arms manufacturers Elbit and Rafael, which supply weaponry actively used in Gaza.

In response, the Swedish Dockworkers' Union has decided to take direct action to align with its longstanding commitment to upholding human rights. "This action sends a clear message that we need more than words," said a representative of the Workers in Palestine. "The people of Gaza are facing a genocide, and we call on all unions and workers worldwide to stand with us, take similar action, and demand justice."

Taking a Stand

The union has previously called on the Swedish government to halt military trade with Israel, a call that went unanswered. This blockade is intended as an act of protest against Sweden’s role in enabling military actions contributing to the destruction of life in Gaza.

The union expects challenges to the blockade, much like those it faced during its 2022 action against Russian goods in protest of the war in Ukraine. Drawing from that experience, the union is prepared as it implements this latest act of solidarity.

While the volume of military trade with Israel through Swedish ports is small, the union sees this as a necessary and urgent response.

Consistent Advocacy for Human Rights

The Swedish Dockworkers' Union has a long history of advocating for human rights. In 2010, it was one of the first unions to refuse handling goods from Israel, that action lasted a full week. The current decision continues this tradition of standing against oppression and violence.

“We’re expecting a strong pushback from the Swedish Government and other actors in the coming weeks, but our experience tells us that if we hold the line, the backlash will pass. In the long run, it’s not unions taking a stand to defend human rights that future generations will condemn—it’s the indifference and profiteering from war that they will find impossible to justify,” said the Vice-Chairperson of the Swedish Dockworkers' Union, emphasising the imperative of their actions.

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Press Contact: WorkersInPalestine@proton.me