Slate News What Next - What If America Went on Strike?
Feb 24, 2025
Reflecting on the 2011 Wisconsin protests, the discussion highlights the ongoing challenges for public sector workers facing threats to their rights. As government shutdowns loom, thoughts turn to the possibility of a major strike, drawing parallels with successful protests worldwide. The importance of solidarity among U.S. workers is emphasized, alongside innovative resistance strategies against rising authoritarianism. Personal stories from the Watergate era underscore the significance of the First Amendment in the fight for democracy.
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Democrats Flee
- To block the bill, 14 Democratic state senators left Wisconsin to prevent a quorum.
- This temporarily halted the legislation's progress.
Leverage for Protest
- Federal workers are angered by the current administration's actions, similar to those in Wisconsin.
- A potential government shutdown may offer leverage for protest.
Successful General Strikes
- General strikes in smaller countries like Israel and South Korea have recently achieved their goals.
- These strikes involved significant disruptions, like halting flights and port operations.