Sign on the show others that you choose the power of united workers in the face of terror, authoritarianism, and war.

Dear Community,

It is beyond debate that we are facing an increasing crisis and collapse at the global, local, and community levels. The increase in violence from ICE, the ongoing atrocities of the Palestinian genocide, and now the War on Iran are urging artists as a community to respond. We are issuing a call to all artists and Arts and Culture organizations in the Bay Area to observe and actively participate in the May 1st General Strike and all future general strikes. As an individual, this means not going to work, not shopping, and not investing in business-as-usual. It can also mean participating in direct action on the strike day(s). As an organization, specifically non-union, it means making it clear that your team is observing the strike, calling for solidarity, and showing that your labor and money cannot go to domestic terrorism, kidnappings, genocides, and wars.

What is a general strike, and why is it important?

A general strike is a coordinated effort by a substantial proportion of the labor force to stop all work across the county, state, and country. A general strike recognizes that there is immense power in the hands of united workers and uses that power to temporarily immobilize the economy. 

Why is it important that Arts and Culture organizations participate?

All sectors of the economy must participate in a general strike. Gathering a decentralized network of people and organizations from all types of labor is imperative to a successful general strike; a strike that worries the establishment and wields effective political power. In California, it’s even more important that Arts and Culture organizations actively participate in the strike because of the enormous role they play in supporting the state’s economy and cultural image. Arts, culture, and media contribute between 7.5% and 14% of California’s annual economy, adding ~$300 Billion and employing over 821,183 workers. This is the kind of money and numbers that get policymakers to listen. This is the type of bargaining power that a general strike intends to illustrate and implement. 

Other ways arts & culture workers can choose to observe the general strike:

We recognize that cultural spaces play a vital role in community care, connection, and gathering. For some organizations, observing the strike may include keeping doors open as sites of solidarity, safety during repression – hosting space for reflection, dialogue, food, water, and collective support. We trust each organization’s self-determination to navigate its participation in a way that aligns with its values, while remaining accountable to the broader call for disruption and collective action. 

What does that mean for my paycheck or my staff?

Observing a general strike will look different for every organization and business. The most recent general strike lasted only one day – a brief act to show solidarity and establish public support for a movement capable of shaping policy.  For this kind of action, an organization should be able to close, in observance of the national general strike, or limit operations to necessary functions. In the case of a multi-day strike, paying employees could become more difficult. For some, there may be funds set aside for moments like this, and employees could receive some or all of their pay for the duration of the strike. Other organizations without strike funds may have to choose to limit their operations to essential tasks and pay employees accordingly. 

Where is our money for arts, culture, housing, and space going? It’s going to these atrocities!

While arts, culture, and housing are all facing terrifying funding shortages, the government continues to increase the budget for domestic terrorists ICE, genocides overseas, and national police and surveillance infrastructure. Participation in the next General Strike is a minimum to assert that this is the grossest possible misuse of funds and that our priorities always lie with the people and the arts.