General strikes are something you can make happen, as an individual, if you push others around you to follow you along. Sure, the US is lacking a lot in the department of having unions and a labor movement, but that doesn't mean it's somehow out of reach. The existing ones in other countries mostly started as grass-root movements, born out of a bunch of individuals going together and deciding they've had enough.

Relying on "union leaders" or political leaders of parties isn't gonna get you anywhere. What you need is active action, something that hurts the people who are trying to hurt you and non-violent protests every 6 months doesn't hurt them one bit.

I agree that protests are important, but they also have their time and place. When the government actively listens, then it's a great way to enact reform. Once the government stops listening though, you need to up your tactics, otherwise you're playing it straight into their pocket.