Skip to main content
The Morning Star 2026 Conference
Credible strike threats: How workers can use them to build power
The severe undercounting of workers organising for strikes continues to skew the facts about the level of worker organising throughout the United States, says ROBERT OVETZ
A large number of teachers, parents, students and supporters of a strike against the Sacramento Unified School District gather at Rosemont High School in Sacramento, California, March 28

ABUNDANT attention was given to the increase in strikes in the US during “Striketober” and “Strikevember” last fall, catchy terms for months when many strikes were expected to occur. 

They not only turned out less than impressive but were matched by the fact that at least as many workers were also involved in making credible strike threats. 

What, exactly, is a credible strike threat? First, it has to be credible to the boss. The boss needs to know that the workers will take escalating actions leading to a strike, and that a supermajority of members have publicly committed to strike, have a strike fund, and have widespread public support. 

Class is in session: UC lecturers teach us about credible strike threats

Counting strike threats

Striketober and Strikevember?

Why credible strike threats matter

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
Similar stories
National Nurses United RN members take part in an Anti-ICE vigil at Sutter CPMC Van Ness Campus Hospital in San Francisco, January 28, 2026. Photo: Scott Strazzante/San Francisco Chronicle via AP
Features / 30 January 2026
30 January 2026

The fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, a registered nurse and union member, has sparked nationwide protests and renewed calls from National Nurses United to dismantle Ice and related agencies, says MARK GRUENBERG

A Universal Credit sign on a door of a job centre plus in east London
Features / 8 January 2026
8 January 2026

Plans to delay access to the universal credit health element until age 22 have triggered fierce opposition from disabled people’s groups, who warn it would deepen poverty and entrench discrimination against young disabled people under the guise of ‘encouraging work.’ DYLAN MURPHY reports

ALL TOGETHER: Workers from all industries join the ‘mega picket’ — mass solidarity action to support the Birmingham bin strike organised by Strike Map, July 25 2025. Photo: Henry Fowler
Features / 29 August 2025
29 August 2025

Since 2023, Strike Map has evolved from digital mapping at a national level to organising ‘mega pickets’ — we believe that mass solidarity with localised disputes prepares the ground for future national action, writes HENRY FOWLER

US President Donald Trump speaks at a reception celebrating
Features / 3 April 2025
3 April 2025
Trump’s recent executive order ends union rights for a large number of federal workers, citing national security concerns after some unions vowed to oppose the massive cuts proposed by the new administration, writes PEOPLE’S DISPATCH