Syndicalism
From Kaiserreich
Syndicalism is an ideology that aims to bring down the capitalist society by co-ordinated actions conducted by industrial workers.
Contents |
Ideology
Common grounds
Syndicalism is based on federations of collectivized trade unions. It is a form of economic corporatism that advocates interest aggregation of multiple non-competitive categorized units to negotiate and manage an economy. It holds, on an ethical basis, that all participants in an organized trade internally share equal ownership of its production. Industry in a syndicalist system is run through co-operative confederations and mutual aid.
Labour unions play a vital role in syndicalism and run the society after the downfall of capitalism. For adherents, labor unions are the means to run society fairly in the interest of the majority, through union democracy.
The emphasis on industrial organization in opposition of political action separates syndicalism from many other egalitarian organizations and could be considered its most distinguishable feature. Syndicalism does not, however, reject political action altogether and political organization is practically a must in countries where syndicalism is strong.
Anarcho-Syndicalism
Anarcho-Syndicalism is a branch of syndicalism with a strong anarchist components that seek to abolish the wage system, regarding it as "wage slavery", and state or private ownership of the means of production, which they believe lead to class divisions. Additionally, anarcho-syndicalists often regard the state as a profoundly anti-worker institution and seek to abolish the use of money.
Radical Socialism
Radical Socialism is a toned down version of orthodox syndicalism, with more democratic structures and safeguards in place. For example among the trade unions there are more frequent and contested elections, with members regularly challenging incumbents, and resultant turnover in officers and representative, with open and free debate and discussion of issues and candidates. Moreover open publications are encouraged, with newspapers and pamphlets publishing all members' views, including those critical of officials, representatives, or union policy.
The term Radical Socialism is sometimes used for countries with a socialist structure or government, without a true syndicalist structure or with only nominal power given to the trade unions,
Countries and movements that subscribe to Syndicalism
Commune of France ( Trade Unionist - Syndicalist )
Socialist Republic of Italy ( Syndicalist )
Union of Britain ( Trade Unionist - Radical Socialist )
CNT-FAI ( Anarcho-Syndicalist )
The Combined Syndicates of America ( Trade unionist )
Bengal ( Radical Socialist )
Georgia ( Menshevik )
Centroamerica ( Radical Socialist )
Mexico ( Radical Socialist )
