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.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
2011 Wisconsin Protests
- In 2011, Wisconsin state workers protested against Governor Scott Walker's plans to limit their power.
- They occupied the Capitol building for weeks, using sleeping bags, drums, and vavuzelas.
Walker's Proposal
- Governor Walker's proposal, similar to Trump's current actions, aimed to weaken public sector unions and limit collective bargaining.
- He justified this by claiming a need to control spending and demonizing government workers.
Student Mobilization
- Student organizer Peter Rickman mobilized fellow TAs, starting with Valentine's Day deliveries to the governor.
- They then organized a 'people's filibuster,' which unexpectedly drew 2,000 participants.