In the wake of last week’s police crackdown on the Occupy Oakland encampment, all eyes continue to be on the city. We must use this heightened media coverage as an opportunity to rally in mass to promote solidarity efforts with the worldwide Occupy Movement and shut down the 1%. As a response, this Wednesday, November 2, Occupy Oakland will hold a “General Strike and Mass Day of Action” in downtown Oakland

The General Strike sends an invitation to students and workers to walk-out and coalesce in Oakland in order to “shut down the city”. Meetings will be held at 9am, 12 noon and 5pm on 14th and Broadway in front of the Oakland City Center at what is being called Oscar Grant Plaza. Side efforts to strike on the Port of Oakland will convene at 5pm at 14th and Broadway to shut down the port by 7pm Wednesday evening.

The stated purpose of the General Strike is as follows:

• To stand in solidarity with the worldwide Occupy Movement
• To end police attacks on our communities
• To defend Oakland schools and libraries
• To stand against an economic system built on inequality and corporate power that perpetuates racism, sexism and the destruction of the environment

Some expected participants in Wednesday’s strike are the Berkeley Federation of Teachers, Philippine Airline Employees Association, Oakland Teachers Union, Oakland Education Association, UAW Local 2865, Alameda Labor Council, among others including thousands of private and public workers, students, unemployed, seniors, homeless and families.

Occupy Oakland’s General Assembly also invites communities to self-organize and participate in the strike in whatever capacity they are able to. For those unfamiliar with the area, the nearest Bart station is 12th and Broadway in downtown Oakland.

The strike will mark the largest day of action in the history of the Occupy Oakland protests. For Northern California residents who have been hesitant or unable to participate in the Occupy Movement, stand with the 99% together in Oakland this Wednesday.

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