What Is a General Strike?

A general strike is a type of labor strike in which workers across multiple industries or sectors simultaneously stop working to protest against specific political, social, or economic issues. It typically involves a large portion of the workforce, and its goal is to exert pressure on governments or employers to address grievances, such as poor working conditions, wages, or policies. Unlike a sector-specific strike, a general strike aims to disrupt society on a larger scale, involving workers from various fields.

National General Strikes

France (2019-2020): France saw widespread general strikes against pension reforms proposed by President Emmanuel Macron. These strikes, which lasted for weeks, involved various sectors, including transportation, education, healthcare, and public services. The strikes disrupted public life, including train services and air travel, as workers fought to protect their pension benefits.

India (2020): On November 26, 2020, tens of millions of workers participated in a general strike in India, demanding the repeal of controversial labor laws that they believed would undermine workers’ rights. This strike, one of the largest in history, involved workers from a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and the service industry.

Belgium (2019): In December 2019, a general strike organized by trade unions in Belgium saw workers protesting pension reforms and cuts to public services. The strike, which involved transportation workers, teachers, healthcare professionals, and others, caused widespread disruptions across the country.

Colombia (2019): In November 2019, a general strike occurred in Colombia, triggered by opposition to labor reforms, inequality, and government policies. The strike was part of a larger protest that saw millions of Colombians take to the streets, demanding political change and improved economic conditions.

Chile (2019): Chile witnessed a massive general strike in response to rising inequality. The tipping point was the combination of public transportation fares and burdensome government austerity policies. The strike was part of a larger wave of protests that led to significant political change in the country, including the drafting of a new constitution.

United States (2021): Although the U.S. has not experienced a nationwide general strike, significant worker actions, including strikes, walkouts, and labor organizing, have occurred, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Notably, there was the “Great Resignation,” where millions of workers left their jobs, and a surge in labor activity occurred in industries such as retail, fast food, and transportation.

Locally organized strikes

• In early March 2024, thousands of janitors, airport workers, nursing home staff, and others in Minneapolis organized a coordinated week of action. This strong display of labor solidarity across the region helped other unions—such as teachers—reach agreements.
• A unionist from the UK said that unions in his country had recently done a series of one-day strikes covering entire industries—and that it wasn’t enough. One day strikes just aren’t long enough to impose the pain necessary to achieve change. They are effectively symbolic.  By starting with one-day strikes —coordinated mass non-participation events — we can capture their attention and build momentum for the long-term general strike that may be necessary to remove our government from the hands of the wealthy.

While these events were not always typical “general strikes” in the classical sense (with workers from every sector participating), they represented large-scale labor movements or coordinated strikes that impacted entire nations or regions, bringing attention to key issues facing workers and society.

General Strike 2028

• The United Auto Workers (UAW) has called for a nationwide general strike on May 1, 2028—aligning with International Workers’ Day and coinciding with the expiration of numerous contracts with the “Big Three” automakers: General Motors, Ford, and Stellantis. The action aims to unite unions across the United States in a coordinated work stoppage to demand fair wages, benefits, and improved working conditions.
• At the American Federation of Teachers’ annual convention, the AFT’s 1.8 million members gave a round of applause to United Auto Workers president Shawn Fain, who has called on the U.S. labor movement to join a nationwide strike in 2028.
• Vermont AFL-CIO: The Vermont AFL-CIO has committed to aligning its contracts to expire on May 1, 2028, in support of the proposed general strike. This decision reflects a broader movement within labor organizations to coordinate efforts for a unified strike action.

The proposed general strike is viewed as a significant opportunity to mobilize workers nationwide, addressing economic disparities and advocating for policies such as Medicare for All. However, the success of such a large-scale action depends on extensive coordination among unions and widespread support from workers across various sectors.

As of now, the 2028 general strike remains a planned initiative, with ongoing discussions and preparations within the labor movement. The outcome will depend on the level of organization and solidarity achieved in the years to come.

Promise to the Movement

The general strike is not just an idea—it is a living, breathing movement built from the ground up by everyday people. It grows in kitchen-table conversations, on picket lines, in quiet acts of resistance, and in the steady work of mutual aid. Its strength comes from our willingness to stand together when it matters most.

GeneralStrike.net is committed to being more than an observer. We promise to:

• Be a hub for connection – providing tools, event calendars, and organizing guides that help local actions grow into national waves.
• Share knowledge freely – offering resources on legal rights, safety, and strategy so anyone, anywhere, can take part with confidence.
• Amplify grassroots voices – lifting the stories, victories, and lessons from people on the front lines so no community is invisible.
• Support solidarity in action – linking mutual aid networks, strike funds, and coalition partners to strengthen the web that will hold us through the challenges ahead.

We will not wait for permission, nor be silenced by the powerful interests that profit from our labor and our silence. We will continue to inform, connect, and empower until the principles of dignity, fairness, and collective power are not just ideals—but reality.

The general strike is coming. Together, we will be ready.

The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not intended to be taken as legal, medical, or professional advice. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the company or its affiliates. Visitors are encouraged to conduct further research and consult with relevant professionals.