Syndicalism

Syndicalism refers to a set of ideas, movements and tendencies which share the avowed aim of transforming capitalist society through action by the working class on the industrial front. This emphasis on industrial organisation was a distinguishing feature of syndicalism when it began to be identified as a distinct current at the beginning of the twentieth century. Most socialist organisations of that period emphasised the importance of political action through party organisations as a means of bringing about socialism. Although all syndicalists emphasise industrial organisation, not all reject political action altogether. For example, De Leonists and other Industrial Unionists advocate parrallel organisation both politically and industrially. For syndicalists, labor unions are the potential means both of overcoming capitalism and of running society in the interests of the majority. Industry and government in a syndialist society would be run by labor union federations.

External links

• AnarchoSyndicalism.net
• Rudolf Rocker, a major proponent of anarcho-syndicalism
• General Strikes, maps with locations where strikes have occurred; includes resource links