Mayor Brandon Johnson's Call For A General Strike Went Viral But Could It Actually Happen?

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's call for a nationwide general strike has sparked significant attention, likening it to the historic actions of enslaved individuals during the Civil War. Speaking at the No Kings march on October 18, Johnson's remarks have resonated on social media, prompting city officials to explore legal support for the initiative. Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and fellow progressives are working with local labor leaders to identify small businesses to support and large corporations to boycott. The push for a general strike coincides with various movements advocating for labor rights, with some aiming for a May Day strike in 2028. Responses from local unions are mixed; while the Chicago Teachers Union backs the call, representatives from other sectors, like construction, express concerns about the feasibility of such strikes.

Historical context shows that general strikes often arise from significant events or failed negotiations, as noted by Mike Matejka of the Illinois Labor History Society. The complexities of organizing a general strike highlight the challenges workers face in achieving collective action across diverse industries. Johnson's initiative reflects a growing discontent with the widening wealth gap, making the conversation about labor rights increasingly relevant.