Frequently Asked Questions
A strike is a work stoppage initiated by a group of people to protest or demand better conditions.
No, you are not required to join a picket line. Whether or not to participate in a picket line is a personal decision and depends on your individual beliefs and circumstances. However, if you are a member of a union that is striking, there may be pressure or expectations for you to show solidarity with your fellow workers by participating in the picket line.
If you are a member of a union and your union has voted to authorize a strike, then you have the right to participate in the strike if you choose to do so. However, it’s important to note that each union has its own specific rules and procedures regarding strikes, and you should follow the guidance of your union leadership to ensure that you are participating in the strike legally and effectively. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of any potential consequences of participating in a strike, such as the possibility of losing pay or benefits during the strike period.
If your workplace isn’t unionized, then you may not have the legal right to strike as an individual without fear of losing your job.
However, you may still be able to take action to improve your working conditions or address other concerns. You could try talking to your employer directly about your concerns or consider organizing with your coworkers to advocate for change together by unionizing or doing a wild cat strike.
Head over to this page to contact us about how we can help with your workplace’s strike fund.
A strike is a withholding of labor by people. It is sometimes accompanied by people forming picket lines, but that is not mandatory. Striking can be done at your residence.
A march or a protest is a public display of showing discontent by walking somewhere in public, often accompanied by holding signs and/or chanting.
If you and your coworkers all decide to take the day off together without prior approval from your employer, it could be considered an unauthorized absence and may lead to disciplinary action. It’s important to remember that striking or participating in any form of collective action carries legal and potential employment consequences.
If you and your coworkers are considering taking collective action, it’s recommended that you consult with a labor attorney or a union organizer to understand your legal rights and to ensure that any action you take is done in a legal and strategic manner.
If you and your coworkers call in sick without actually being ill, it could be considered dishonest and potentially damaging to your relationship with your employer. Additionally, if your employer discovers that the sick calls were not genuine, it could result in disciplinary action.
If you and your coworkers are considering taking collective action, it’s recommended that you consult with a labor attorney or a union organizer to understand your legal rights and to ensure that any action you take is done in a legal and strategic manner.
A general strike is when people from all or most industries unite to withhold their labor until their demands are met. Learn more here.
Our broad list of demands includes, but is not limited to:
- Climate action
- Universal healthcare
- Racial justice
- Reproductive rights
- LGBTQIA+ rights
- Living wage / raise the minimum wage
- Immigration reform
- Education reform
- Gun safety
- Tax the rich
- Affordable housing
- Disability rights
- Welfare and child support reform
- Voters rights
- Constitutional convention
- Paid family and medical leave
- Criminal justice system reform
- Workers’ rights
We are working with experts in the fields listed above to create specific pieces of legislation as our demands.
Once we have at least 3.5% (11 million) of the U.S. population committed to withholding their labor.
You can stay up to date on the percentage we have committed by subscribing to our newsletter.
History and research have shown successful general strikes lasting from one day to over a month.
Recently, a general strike in Panama lasted about a month. In France, a recent general strike lasted several weeks.
Strike For Our Rights is a 501(c)(3) nonpartisan nonprofit organization made up of volunteers from around the U.S. eager to make lasting, positive social change.
We are working with other organizations, communities, and people around the U.S. to organize a general strike that is accessible to all for the rights of all. Part of our mission is to provide funds and resources to aid people who will require assistance in order to participate in the general strike.
There are a number of ways to help:
- Commit to strike.
- Volunteer with us. We have plenty of fun, accessible ways for you to help. Low on time? That’s ok! Many of our projects only take 1 hour a month.
- Donate to our strike fund.
- Spread the word! Share our social media posts, newsletters, and other links with your community and network.
We understand not everyone can or should participate in the general strike.
You can still help the cause by:
- Committing to boycotting commerce and/or major media outlets during the general strike.
- Volunteering with us.
- Donating to our strike fund.
- Spreading the word! Share our social media posts, newsletters, and other links with your community and network.
We will be offering resources to individuals who want to participate but don’t have the funds.
We are also actively working on compiling a map for each state that has all available resources folks will need to survive the strike such as mutual aid groups, food pantries, buy nothing groups, etc. If you want to help with this project, please sign up to volunteer with us here.