The Socialist Program with Brian Becker U.S. General Strike Signals a New Day w/ Prof. Wolff
Feb 4, 2026
Richard Wolff, economist and co-founder of Democracy at Work, explains the recent Minnesota and nationwide shutdowns as a historic U.S. general strike. He explores turnout, union solidarity, and how strikes can block state power. He reflects on workers’ councils, historical lessons, and the political stakes amid rising right-wing backlash.
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Historic Rise Of U.S. General Strikes
- A general strike in the U.S. is historically rare but now occurring and signals a new political stage.
- Richard D. Wolff calls the Minneapolis actions historic and broadly mobilizing across unions, students, and celebrities.
Local Business Solidarity Example
- Richard D. Wolff recounts an ice cream shop in New Haven closing in solidarity and posting a handmade sign.
- The shop's action illustrated grassroots business participation in the nationwide shutdown on January 30th.
Strikes As Practical Power Shifts
- General strikes create real obstacles to normal state functions by disrupting transport and services.
- Wolff compares these disruptions to barricades in Europe, asserting they shift power from authorities to neighborhoods and workers.
