anarcosindicalismo

Anarcosindicalismo, or anarcho-syndicalism, is a current within libertarian socialism and the broader anarchist tradition that emphasizes the organization of workers into federated unions (sindicatos) as the primary means of revolutionary change. It argues that workers should directly organize and manage production through their unions and that political parties and parliamentary institutions are counterproductive to this goal.

Historically, its roots lie in late 19th and early 20th century labor movements in Europe, drawing on revolutionary syndicalism and anarchist theory. It gained prominence in Catalonia and other parts of Spain with the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT), founded in 1910, which, together with associated groups, built a mass union advocating direct action, general strikes, and worker self-management. Similar currents appeared in France, Italy, Argentina, and Brazil. The Spanish Civil War era saw anarchist-influenced collectives and a degree of workers’ self-government in several regions.

Key principles include direct action as a tactic, worker self-management of workplaces, anti-statism, opposition to capitalist wage labor and the state, and the federative organization of unions into larger confederations to coordinate across sectors. Methods include general strikes, workplace occupations, mutual aid, and a rejection of participation in electoral politics.

In contemporary times, anarcho-syndicalist ideas persist in various unions and networks, including Spain’s CNT and related groups, as well as international labor movements influenced by libertarian socialist thought. Its legacy continues to influence debates over worker self-management, grassroots organizing, and anti-authoritarian approaches to social change.