Protesters Plan on Keeping Zim Ships Out of Oakland

On Saturday, August 2, protestors plan on blocking two Zim container ships from docking and unloading at the Port of Oakland.

The “Block the Boat for Gaza!” group is doing this in Solidarity with Palestinians, especially those besieged and bombarded in Gaza. The group’s Facebook page states: “We need to send a clear message that we don't want Israel Corp, or its subsidiary Zim Shipping in our port.”

There have been many questions about the involvement of port workers. In a statement, the protestors noted: “Please be assured that, given the short time-frame, we are working diligently to gain the support and solidarity of the workers at the Port of Oakland, both ILWU and otherwise. The ILWU does not have an executive board meeting this week, and even if they did, due to legal restrictions, they can't technically endorse this action. Individual union members cannot publicly endorse either, or they would face consequences. Thus, the main thing organizers and supporters have been doing, and are continuing to do, is talk with multiple rank and file members of the ILWU about the plan for the day. That is exactly what is happening at the moment, and the discussions are going well. Additionally, organizers are working with rank and file members to produce a flyer aimed at gaining even broader support among the ranks of ILWU Local 10. It will be distributed at their hiring hall.”

The ‘blocking’ will take place at Berth 57, SSA Terminals.