Oakland general strike brings labor, students, teachers into streets

Today in Oakland, students, labor leaders, teachers and city workers observed a general strike. The action sent many into the streets, where last week police forcibly removed protesters from an encampment near city hall.

We turn to reporter Brian Edwards-Tiekert who is in downtown Oakland and has been following the day’s events - Brian tell us where you are right now?

The general strike was voted on by Occupy Oakland’s General Assembly after a violent crackdown on protesters, US Marine veteran Scott Olsen remains hospitalized following the attack. The police have promised an investigation, and yesterday, the Oakland Police Officers Association, wrote an open letter to citizens saying they too are the 99 percent. The statement said they are also fighting for better working conditions  and were confused by Oakland Mayor Jean Quon’s mixed messages - including ordering them to clear out encampments last week, and later, ordering all police to work, despite giving all other city workers the day off to participate in the strike.