“Not a thing was moving”: the 1926 General Strike in Hackney and beyond

In May 1926 two million workers joined the only official General Strike Britain has ever seen, in support of miners facing drastic wage cuts. After nine days, despite widespread and growing support for the Strike, it was called off by union leaders - in defeat. How was the Strike supported in Hackney? How did workers organise, and how did the local authorities in the then boroughs of Hackney, Stoke Newington and Shoreditch respond? Could the Strike have been won? Do the myths about the Strike help or hinder progress today? Hear exciting tales of militant battles to stop trams in Mare Street, pickets at factories in Well Street, scabs keeping electricity running, mass meetings, and the army occupying Victoria Park. A talk by Alex Hodson of the Radical History Faction.