Occupy Oakland Begins General Strike

Occupy Oakland is attempting to shut down the city Wednesday, urging supporters to skip work or school and warning large businesses to shut their doors or face the demonstrators’ ire.

“We are asking that all workers go on strike, call in sick, take a vacation day or simply walk off the job with their co-workers,” a statement on the movement’s website reads. “All banks and large corporations must close down for the day or demonstrators will march on them.”

The demonstrators also note that they intend to picket or occupy any employers or schools who discipline those who join the strike.

The move, which has gained support from other cities’ occupy movements and a number of union organizations, comes shortly after police and occupiers clashed, leaving one former Iraq war veteran who joined the demonstration in critical condition.