this post was submitted on 29 Jan 2026
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If you work a job in which someone would actively be harmed (e.g. loss of freedom or physical harm) by you failing to go to work, what is the consensus on the proper way to participate in a general strike?

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[–] protist@mander.xyz 26 points 2 days ago (2 children)

I also mulled this over, as I work with people experiencing homelessness, and decided I'm still going to work, but will make sure not to spend any money that day. Also my son will still go to school

[–] lonefighter@sh.itjust.works 21 points 2 days ago (3 children)

I work in EMS. I will be at work on Friday. I want to participate in the general strike, but if someone in my community dies or has a worse outcome because my ambulance isn't in service then I feel like it is defeating the purpose of a general strike which has the ultimate goal of helping the general public. I have just determined to not spend any money and to express solidarity with anyone who is participating or speak out if I hear any negativity towards the strike.

[–] Chozo@fedia.io 8 points 1 day ago

I also work in an EMS-adjacent field (NEMT), and the work we do genuinely helps people in need. I would be doing a major disservice to my community by not going into work. I will only be spending the bare minimum needed to get myself to and from work, as that's the best I can conscientiously do right now.

[–] Paradachshund@lemmy.today 5 points 1 day ago

There's a general strike on Friday? I'll try to participate. I had no idea.

[–] Mouselemming@sh.itjust.works 2 points 1 day ago

You could also become very necessary in the event it all goes wahoonie-shaped.

[–] leadore@lemmy.world 12 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

The idea is to slow or stop economic activity, so it's most effective when it's those who work in business or industry. Jobs helping the community are ... helping the community, which is also a value to uphold. So yeah not spending any money is still contributing to the goal.

[–] seathru@quokk.au 23 points 2 days ago

You take care of your community first. A general strike doesn't require 100% participation. Just 15-20% would bring things to a standstill.

[–] choui4@lemmy.zip 17 points 2 days ago

It REALLY depends on what your career is. For example: if youre a nurse, work to rule or slow down. If you're an Oinker, quit your job and repent.

[–] drail@fedia.io 5 points 1 day ago

If you are in a financial position to do so, donating your wages for the day (or as much as you can afford) to an organization trying to affect positive change would show support without direct participation. If financial support isn't feasible at all, then just try to avoid spending any money day-of and share the importance of the strike with people you know. Every little bit of contribution helps, and we can't afford to let perfect be the enemy of good right now.

Just because you are at work doesn’t mean you can’t just not work or in other words do a shitty job. Large machines grind to a haunt slowly.

[–] saltesc@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago

PwC strikes again.

[–] Thedogdrinkscoffee@lemmy.ca -2 points 1 day ago (1 children)

What do you think the harms to people will be if you don't put a stop to fascists? Make sure you weigh that carefully.

[–] Josey_Wales@lemmy.zip 2 points 1 day ago

In the specific instance I am considering, extended incarceration over the weekend because they will have to wait to be assigned a public defender on Monday.