The government rejected the opposition's claim of success, saying life was returning to normal after last week's disturbances which diplomats say fuelled fears of increasing political instability in the Horn of Africa's dominant power.
At least 46 people were killed in a week of anti-government protests that started in the capital Addis Ababa and flared in several rural towns following a call by the opposition Coalition for Unity and Democracy (CUD) for new protests over a May poll.
"This is a continuation of the protest measure we asked our supporters to follow to show the government cheated in the elections," said a CUD official, who asked not be named.
"We told them (our supporters) to demonstrate peacefully last Monday and to go on strike today on the 7th. They have heard us and the strike has been successful," he told Reuters.
There was uneasy calm in Addis Ababa on Monday, with little sign of taxis and public transport buses. Security forces patrolled the streets, keeping a close eye on the Mercato market where riot police confronted stone-throwing youths last week.
Opposition members said the CUD appeal for strike had been spread mainly through word of mouth. However, some Addis Ababa residents said they stayed at home for fear of renewed violence and not because they supported the CUD.
"You saw what happened last week," said one man who gave his name as Woldemariam. "I do not want to be caught up in that."
"INCITING VIOLENCE":
Information Minister Berhan Hailu dismissed the strike.
"The call for a strike by the extremist wing of CUD is a continuation of their illegal means to create unrest in the country," Berhan told Reuters. "The public at large has rejected the call for a strike and have started coming back to work."
Ethiopia's worst political unrest in months has prompted major donors - the United States and European Union - to urge the government and opposition to hold talks.
They also called on the opposition to disassociate itself from actions directly or indirectly inciting violence.
CUD lawyers filed a lawsuit on Monday demanding the immediate and unconditional release of opposition leaders arrested on suspicion of instigating the violence.
"The CUD leadership, civil society leaders, journalists and other protesters have been detained unlawfully," said opposition lawyer Kumlachew Chekol representing a group of 20 detainees.
Under Ethiopian law, detainees must be freed or brought before a judge to face charges within 48 hours of arrest.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said on Saturday an independent commission of inquiry would be set up to investigate the disturbances.
Meles said CUD leaders arrested last week would face court as soon as investigations were complete. He has repeatedly accused the opposition of inciting violence and trying to topple his government.