Anarcho-syndicalism

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Political philosophy and anarchist school of thought

Anarcho-syndicalism is a political philosophy and anarchist school of thought that views revolutionary industrial unionism or syndicalism as a method for workers in capitalist society to gain control of an economy and, with that control, influence broader society. The end goal of anarcho-syndicalism is to abolish the wage system, regarding it as a form of slavery, and to establish a system of direct democracy and workers' self-management.

Principles

Anarcho-syndicalism is built on several core principles:

• Direct action: The use of strikes, boycotts, and other forms of protest to achieve goals without relying on intermediaries.
• Workers' self-management: The idea that workers should manage their own workplaces and industries.
• Direct democracy: Decision-making processes that involve all members of a group or community, rather than being made by elected representatives.

Historical Development

Anarcho-syndicalism emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, influenced by the broader anarchist movement and the rise of industrial unionism. Key figures in the development of anarcho-syndicalism include Rudolf Rocker, Emile Pouget, and Buenaventura Durruti.

The movement gained significant traction in countries like Spain, where the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) played a crucial role during the Spanish Civil War. In other countries, such as France and Italy, anarcho-syndicalist ideas influenced the labor movement and contributed to the formation of various trade unions.

Organizational Structure

Anarcho-syndicalist organizations typically operate on a decentralized basis, with a focus on federations of local unions. These federations are often organized by industry or region and are designed to facilitate cooperation and mutual aid among workers.

Modern Anarcho-syndicalism

Today, anarcho-syndicalism continues to influence various labor movements and anti-capitalist organizations around the world. Groups such as the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) and the International Workers' Association (IWA) uphold anarcho-syndicalist principles and advocate for workers' rights and self-management.

Related Pages

• Anarchism
• Syndicalism
• Direct action
• Workers' self-management
• Direct democracy
• Confederación Nacional del Trabajo
• Industrial Workers of the World
• International Workers' Association

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