Fact Check: Most recent general strikes in the U.S. have not been successful.

Fact Check: "Most recent general strikes in the U.S. have not been successful."

What We Know

The claim that "most recent general strikes in the U.S. have not been successful" requires an examination of recent strike activity and its outcomes. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, major strike activity increased significantly in 2023, with a reported increase of 280% in the number of workers involved in major work stoppages compared to previous years. This resurgence indicates a notable level of labor unrest, although it does not directly correlate to the success of these strikes.

Historically, the last general strike in the U.S. occurred in 1946, and since then, there has been a notable absence of large-scale general strikes. Recent discussions about a potential general strike have emerged, particularly in response to political and economic conditions, but these have not yet materialized into organized actions that could be classified as successful general strikes (Ricci, 2025).

Furthermore, while there are grassroots movements advocating for a general strike, such as those organized by anonymous groups, these efforts have not gained substantial traction or participation (Ricci, 2025). The website GeneralStrikeUS.com, which aims to gather support for such actions, has reportedly gathered less than 5% of its target pledges (Ricci, 2025).

Analysis

The assertion that recent general strikes have not been successful can be evaluated through various lenses. On one hand, there has been a marked increase in strike activity, as noted by the Economic Policy Institute, which highlights a return to pre-pandemic levels of labor unrest. However, the lack of a successful general strike in recent history suggests that while there is a desire for collective action, the organizational capacity and coordination required for a general strike are currently lacking.

The sources discussing the potential for a general strike, such as the article by Kimberly Ricci, indicate that while there is significant discussion and some grassroots mobilization, the actual execution of a general strike remains uncertain. Union leaders, like Shawn Fain of the United Auto Workers, have indicated that a successful general strike requires extensive planning and coordination, which is not currently in place (Ricci, 2025).

Moreover, the historical context provided by the Waging Nonviolence article illustrates the challenges faced by labor movements in the U.S., including legal restrictions and the dominance of business unionism, which may hinder the effectiveness of spontaneous or unauthorized strikes. This context is crucial in understanding why recent efforts may not have achieved the desired outcomes.

Conclusion

The claim that "most recent general strikes in the U.S. have not been successful" is Partially True. While there has been a significant increase in strike activity, the absence of successful general strikes, particularly in the traditional sense, reflects both the challenges of organizing such large-scale actions and the current state of labor movements in the U.S. The desire for collective action exists, but the structural and organizational barriers have prevented these movements from achieving success.

Fact Check: Most recent general strikes in the U.S. have not been successful.