Syndicalism is a political and economic theory that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, primarily in Europe. It is a radical and revolutionary ideology that seeks to overthrow the capitalist system and replace it with a society organized around a network of worker-controlled industrial and agricultural unions, known as syndicates.
The core principle of syndicalism is the belief that workers, as the creators of wealth in society, should have control over the means of production and distribution. Syndicalists argue that capitalism is inherently exploitative and oppressive, with workers being forced to sell their labor to capitalists for wages that are lower than the true value of their labor. Syndicalists seek to abolish this system by empowering workers to take control of their own workplaces and industries, and to organize themselves into a self-managed economic system based on mutual aid and cooperation.
Syndicalists view the state as a tool of the capitalist class, and reject traditional forms of political engagement such as elections and parties. Instead, they advocate for direct action, such as strikes and boycotts, as a means of achieving their goals. Syndicalists believe that workers should organize themselves into unions that are not only responsible for collective bargaining with employers but also for the management of the workplace and the economy as a whole.
Syndicalism has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century, particularly in France and Spain, where syndicalist unions played a prominent role in the struggle for workers’ rights. The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), founded in the United States in 1905, is perhaps the most famous syndicalist organization, with its famous slogan “One Big Union.”
Syndicalism has been criticized for its rejection of traditional political engagement and its emphasis on direct action. Some critics argue that this approach can be counterproductive, leading to violence and repression by the state. Others point to the historical failures of syndicalist movements, particularly in the face of state repression and the rise of fascism in the 20th century.
Despite these criticisms, syndicalism remains a significant force in the labor movement and the broader left-wing political landscape. Its emphasis on direct democracy, self-management, and worker control has inspired many other movements and organizations, and its critique of capitalism and the state remains as relevant today as it was a century ago.