Swedish Ports to Grind to a Halt Amid Nationwide Strike on May 21 2025

Freight Disruptions Expected Between UK and Sweden as the Sweden strike escalates.

Swedish dockworkers launched a nationwide strike today, bringing operations to a standstill across the country’s major ports. The strike began at 12:00 local time and is scheduled to continue until 18:00, marking a major escalation in an ongoing labor dispute.

The Swedish Dockworkers’ Union confirmed the strike is in response to stalled negotiations over collective agreements. Key issues include the protection of elected union representatives and tighter regulations on temporary employment.

All ports where the union has members are affected, leading to widespread disruption in both import and export operations. The impact is particularly significant on UK-Sweden freight routes, with delays expected across several European supply chains.

While the Swedish Transport Workers’ Union had also planned to participate, it reached a last-minute agreement with port employers on May 20, and withdrew its strike notice.

“This action is a direct result of unresolved concerns that have gone ignored for too long,” said a representative from the Dockworkers’ Union. “We are committed to pushing for fair treatment and job security across the sector.”

Further strikes are already scheduled. Targeted actions at specific terminals will take place between May 22 and May 26, with additional disruptions planned from May 30 through June 15 if no resolution is reached.

Future Forwarding urge clients to prepare for continued disruption. Activating contingency plans and exploring alternative routes to maintain delivery schedules.

The Swedish government has not yet intervened but has urged both parties to return to negotiations immediately.