GENERAL STRIKE: A strike by a majority of the workers in key industries throughout a country in a particular region of the country. This type of strike is different in both magnitude and intent than that of a strike against a specific firm or industry. In particular, a general strike involves virtually every union regardless of industry or occupation. In addition, the intent of a general strike is to bring the economy to a standstill as a means of forcing major structural changes in the economy or society. Such a strike has been effectively used from time to time, but because it does shut down the economy and imposes hardships on almost everyone.
