By Pat Bryant
Union Leaders Consider a General Strike
Union leaders and progressives are calling for a general strike after mass firings and changes in the federal workforce. This rarely used tactic is now openly discussed by Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants.
TSA Workers Stripped of Rights
The Department of Homeland Security revoked TSA employees’ collective bargaining rights and voided their contract. Now, Nelson says workers have few options beyond a general strike.
“What we have to understand is the people in charge… are doing this to make the federal workforce miserable,” Nelson told labor blogger Bob Hennelly on WBAI in New York. “The entire thing is to break the federal government everywhere and privatize the whole thing.”
The Association of Flight Attendants represents 50,000 flight attendants across 20 airlines. Their collective bargaining power now faces serious risk.
Related: People Were Panic Buying Because of a Strike
General Strike as a Political Tool
A general strike is a national work stoppage used to achieve a political goal. It disrupts economic activity and forces government action.
Bill Reiley, regional vice president of AFGE Local 2617, says the voided contract covered sick leave, airport parking, annual leave, and pay raises. TSA workers now worry about their recent pay increase being honored.
The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) signed its contract with TSA in May 2024. It was supposed to last until 2031. That agreement covered 47,000 workers.
Hostile Work Environment
TSA managers are already acting with impunity. In San Diego, Jacobin reports that a manager taunted employees, saying, “Hey, you don’t have a union anymore.”
Boby Orozco, president of the Southern California local, confirmed workers had no grievance procedure as of Friday. This leaves employees vulnerable to mistreatment.
Historical Context of the General Strike
Black scholar W.E.B. Du Bois described enslaved people escaping to Union forces as a “general strike.” Their mass flight crippled the Southern economy.
The Great Railway Strike of 1877 faced brutal suppression. However, the general strike of 1886 followed, lasting a month and securing a 10-hour workday. Authorities falsely charged and executed its leaders. Today, that strike is commemorated worldwide on May 1.
A Growing Movement
Recent actions by the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) have fueled worker outrage. Mass firings in the federal workforce and the removal of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) policies have energized unions.
Meanwhile, coalitions between unions and non-governmental organizations are pressuring the Trump administration and its billionaire allies. Additionally, the ongoing Target Fast, led by Pastor Jamal Bryant of Atlanta, is adding momentum to a national movement.
Calls for Action
“We have very few options but to join together and organize for a general strike to put a stop to this,”
Sara Nelson, President of the Association of Flight Attendants.
A general strike would disrupt the economy, pressure lawmakers, and demand fair labor practices. Workers across industries are paying attention.
Pat Bryant is a journalist covering civil and human rights issues in the Southern United States. He can be reached at pat46bryant@gmail.com.
Great info but are our people teading/ listening/ voting!! Old fashion Grass Root efforts must happen accompany digital media. It worked not so long ago and if you know us, you know that we engage each other- talk/ listen in the barbershops, in the grocery stores, at the hair dresser, at church, in our neighborhoods, social and pleasure clubs……