general strikes
South Korea: General strike
Unions in South Korea launched a general strike today after the passage of a temporary workers bill by the National Assembly.
The Korean Confederation of Trade Unions began a full nationwide strike at 1 p.m., protesting parliament’s approval of the non-regular workers bill that unionists claim will increase the number of temporary laborers.
It said that a total of 150,000 unionists at over 150 workplaces, including 40,000 workers at Hyundai/Kia Motors, took part in strikes across the country.
'Leaded/Unleaded'- the story of the 2004 Beirut general strike now online
In 2004 a general strike was called in the Lebanon against rocketing prices and poor social provision. During demonstrations the army opened fire killing five.
Leaded/Unleaded: The State Unleashed, produced by Indymedia Beirut is the story of these events, and it is now available online.
LEADED/UNLEADED: The State Unleashed (Lebanon), 2004, 40 mins. (Arabic w/ English subtitles) A film produced by Indymedia Beirut and is download-able online in two versions, big original DVD and smaller avi from here
India: Manipur state shut down by general strike
Routine life came to a standstill in Manipur following a 16-hour "lightning general strike" called by three students' organisations.
The strike began midnight last night to protest against alleged atrocities on civilians by personnel of 24th Assam Rifles battalion, official reports said.
Markets, shops and business establishments remained closed in response to the general strike while transport services between Manipur and neighbouring states and those within the state were also cancelled, the reports said.
Bangladesh: general strike
A general strike is in force today across Bangladesh.
It was called by the opposition to protest against government manipulation of the voters list, comes alongside threats of a general election boycott early next year. Sunday is a normal working day in Bangladesh.
The Development of Class Struggle in Nigeria - ICG
From Communism #9
1926: The Social General Strike - why 1926 failed, by Tom Brown
Written in the early 1940s, British syndicalist Tom Brown's article The Social General Strike - Why 1926 Failed examines the failure of the 1926 General Strike. It makes suggestions for future action, and argues for worker's control.
This text also contains an introduction, footnotes and postscript by a US-based group "More to Come" which they used in a pamphlet "Why strikes fail????". We have placed them at the end of Brown's article, which we feel historically is more important.
1946: The Oakland General Strike, by Stan Weir
An account of the General Strike in Oakland, California.
By nightfall the strikers had instructed all stores except pharmacies and food markets to shut down, Bars were allowed to stay open, but they could serve only beer and had to put their juke boxes out on the sidewalk to play at full volume and no charge. 'Pistol Packin' Mama, Lay That Pistol Down', the number one hit, echoed off all the buildings.
