Reflections on the General Strike

What should we learn from the 1926 General Strike and what might the 2026 General Strike look like? Were the TUC fully to blame for the failure of the strike? Why does the labour movement memorialise our failures rather than our victories? What is the relevance of 1926 today?

Chairing this discussion and Q&A is Chris Bowkett, a trade union activist, USDAW Bristol branch chair and contributor to the Bristol Radical History Group. Chris has recently written a pamphlet on the relationship between the Co-op and distributive workers during the General Strike.

Joining us for this discussion are:

Sheila Caffrey, the Secretary of the Bristol Trades Council, the body which, a century ago, managed the strike in Bristol from its headquarters on Old Market. Remaining an active member of the National Education Union, Sheila became an elected member of the National Executive for the South West two years ago, and is particularly proud of being part of the leadership that has led the recent national fight over pay and funding, defending educators and education.

Henry Fowler, the Assistant General Secretary of the General Federation of Trade Unions, and one of the organisers of the General Strike 100 project. In his role at the GFTU, Henry develops educational programmes and support affiliates with bespoke educational courses and development of activists. He also provides campaigns, communications and organising support to trade unions.

Steve Mills, a trade union official for UNISON (speaking in a personal capacity) and longtime contributor to the Bristol Radical History Group. Steve will attempt an analysis of what we learnt from the struggle in 1926 and the state of trade unions today.