On February 21, the Madison South Central Labor Federation (SCFL) –with a membership of 45,000 which includes fire fighters, teachers and nurses among others– voted to endorse a general strike. The general strike will take place on the day that Gov.Walker signs a new anti-union legislation that will curtail union bargaining rights.
This new move by workers in the U.S. is a clear indication that times are changing. Additionally, it is a reflection of the impact the Arab and North African revolutions are having on workers in a worldwide scale.
Strike organizers are beginning to reach out to trade unions in other countries.
According to the Wisconsin State Journal:
A coordinating committee is being formed to contact European unions with experience conducting general strikes, and to begin educating and organizing unions, students and other groups, said Carl Aniel, labor federation delegate from AFSCME Local 171.