Next, a General Strike

[edhopper]

Might not be doable here, where workers don't have the protections they do in other countries.
But millions not showing up for work would send a very big message.

[Justice Brandeis]

1. Too many workers cannot afford to take a day off w/out pay

Not every employee gets paid vacation or sick time; they miss work for the day, and they just don't get paid. Too many Americans cannot take that blow to their wallet.

[edhopper]

3. I realize that

But many can afford to do so. But if there job is in danger, of course they can't.
Like I said, might not be doable.

[The Blue Flower]

2. Workers not showing up in the fields, hotels, and factories

Will no doubt have the same attention-getting effect.

[Hekate]

12. Those particular workers will have been removed by ICE, against their will...

Voluntary absenteeism is inimical to their jobs and to their presence in the US. Rethink.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

4. Getting there, but not yet. Economy has not begun to bite

The economy is being resilient, but is fraying around the edges. Many federal layoffs are delayed to September by "deferred resignations", for example.

[Irish_Dem]

5. How about a shopping boycott?

Hurt the billionaires?

[edhopper]

6. Love it

A day when no one shops. Maybe only mom and pop stores.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

8. Yes... and

ONLINE TOO!!

[xmas74]

10. There's a group planning that for a few days including July 4th.

No shopping, no travel,no dining out, no fireworks,etc.

[some_of_us_are_sane]

7. edhopper, that's brilliant!

[Kashkakat v.2.0]

9. How to do a general strike from Polish Solidarity member (circa 2011)

Back in 2011, when here in Madison WI we occupied the capitol in response to repub legislation to bust public sector unions - there was an open mike at all times where people could speak as spirit moved them. One guy said he had been in communication with someone who had been a member of Polish Solidarity and had asked for guidance re how to do a general strike. His suggestion was to start with only a very small work stoppage at a specific date and time - I m thinking maybe it was only one minute but dont remember exactly. For many people this alone will be a HUGE act of courage. Grocery check out, cab driver... can you imagine? Keep repeating the 1 minute stoppage until there is significant participation (I dont remember what % was considered a good amt), and then step up to slightly longer - say 5 minutes - until, over time, perhaps it is a whole day. Or not - we of course dont have the same labor protections as European countries. The idea was that walking out and not knowing if/when youd be back is far too scary for people, even for those of us who have union protections, so it's good to make it as doable as possible for people. I'll always remember that guy talking about this. We of course did not attempt it in Wis - went the political recall route instead. Maybe now's the time!

[Hekate]

11. Let us know when that has ever worked in the US, first

[muriel_volestrangler]

13. What would your demand be?

A strike without a demand would get people's attention, yes, but not in a good way. They'd see the inconvenience to themselves, but not a reason. With whom would you expect to negotiate, and about what?

(And the protections for striking in other countries depend on having genuine reasons for striking - you can't do it just to say "we really don't like our head of government" ).