Syndicalism: An Introduction

by Jay Lino

Syndicalism, What Is It?

Syndicalism emerged as a response to the rise of industrial capitalism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is rooted in socialist ideals, advocating for workers to have control over the means of production and the distribution of goods and services. The term "syndicalism" comes from the French word syndicat, meaning trade union. The syndicalist movement began as a reaction to the exploitation of workers by employers who held the power to determine wages and working conditions without worker input. In an effort to gain more control over their own labor, workers formed unions and syndicalist organizations. These groups sought to establish a new economic and political system where workers would own and manage the means of production through worker-controlled cooperatives.

The influence of syndicalism spread beyond France, reaching other European countries and North America in the early 20th century. In the United States, the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) embraced syndicalism and aimed to organize workers into a unified union that could challenge the power of employers. Syndicalism has had a significant impact on labor movements worldwide, although its revolutionary potential has been diminished in some regions where trade unions have become more institutionalized.

Syndicalism draws heavily from the ideas of Karl Marx, particularly his concepts of class struggle, collective ownership, and the need for revolutionary change. Syndicalists view the capitalist system as inherently exploitative and oppressive, advocating for its overthrow and replacement with a socialist society. They argue that workers should have control over their workplaces and the ability to negotiate for improved wages and working conditions. The goal is to ensure that workers have a voice in decisions that impact their lives. The syndicalist vision aligns with Marx and Friedrich Engels' call for the abolition of the state and the establishment of a classless society. Syndicalists view the state as a tool of class dominance and advocate for workers' self-management and direct control over the means of production.

Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, another influential figure, contributed to syndicalist ideas with his concepts of mutualism, decentralization, and worker-controlled production. His belief that "property is theft" resonated with syndicalists, who saw the capitalist system as exploitative. Proudhon's principles of direct action and self-management were also embraced by syndicalists, who believed in taking direct action to improve working conditions and gain control over the means of production. At its core, syndicalism asserts that workers, as the producers of goods and services, should have decision-making power over their work and the products they create. This worker self-management is seen as the foundation of a truly democratic society, where the means of production are controlled by those who use them, rather than a small group of capitalists.

In a syndicalist economy, workers' self-management is facilitated through workers' councils or committees. These councils consist of elected representatives from each workplace or industry, who make decisions regarding production, distribution, and other economic matters. The goal is to replace the hierarchical structure of capitalist workplaces with a system of direct democracy, where all workers have an equal say in decisions affecting their lives. Syndicalists also advocate for the abolition of wage labor and the introduction of a system of self-employment, enabling workers to control the products they create and the profits they generate, rather than being reliant on wages and subject to the authority of capitalists.

Syndicalism promotes the equitable sharing and distribution of resources and goods, aiming to build a society based on cooperation and mutual support rather than competition and exploitation. The syndicalist revolution centers around the development of class consciousness and solidarity among the working class. This necessitates workers gaining a clear understanding of their own interests, the nature of capitalism, and the means to challenge it. This awareness is a crucial component of the revolutionary process, as it lays the foundation for collective action and transformative change. Syndicalism has greatly influenced the development of various political ideologies, including anarchism, communism, and fascism. Many syndicalist theorists and activists identify themselves as part of the anarchist tradition, sharing a commitment to direct action and a rejection of political parties and the state. Both syndicalism and anarchism seek to abolish capitalism and establish a society based on workers' self-management and direct democracy. Syndicalist ideas have also shaped anarcho-syndicalism, an anarchist variant emphasizing revolutionary trade unions and direct action to achieve social change.

While some syndicalists view communism as a reformist ideology working within the existing system, others see it as complementary and collaborate with communist parties and trade unions to bring about change. The influence of syndicalism can be observed in council communism, which aims to replace the centralized state of Soviet-style communism with a decentralized system of workers' councils and self-management.

Syndicalism's relationship with fascism is complex. Most syndicalist theorists and activists perceive Nazi Germany as a reactionary power grab that preserves capitalist and state power. However, some syndicalists view Italian Fascism as a form of syndicalism, where workers and capitalists cooperate for the benefit of the nation. The influence of syndicalism on Italian Fascism is evident in the concept of corporatism.

Syndicalism continues to exert influence on political discourse and activism today. Its emphasis on workers' self-management, direct democracy, and rejection of political parties and the state has had a lasting impact on political thought and activism. The economic benefits of unionizing the workforce are significant for both workers and society as a whole. Labor unions negotiate higher wages and better benefits for their members compared to non-union workers. This is due to the collective bargaining power that comes with a union agreement. Additionally, unions have historically improved working conditions, providing safer environments, reasonable workloads, and better hours. These improvements contribute to increased job satisfaction and reduced stress for workers. Union workers also tend to have higher job security, as unions negotiate contracts that protect against layoffs, unjust termination, and discrimination. Unions often secure better benefits for their members, including health insurance, pensions, and paid time off, enhancing the financial security of workers and their families. By negotiating improved wages and benefits, labor unions help reduce income inequality and increase economic stability, leading to a more prosperous and equitable society. Better working conditions and job security can also boost job satisfaction and motivation, ultimately improving productivity.

According to the Center for American Progress, unions have played a crucial role in paving the way to the middle class for many American workers and have introduced benefits such as paid healthcare and pensions. Even today, union workers earn significantly higher wages on average compared to non-union counterparts, and unionized employers are more likely to provide benefits. Non-union workers, particularly in highly unionized industries, also benefit as employers increase wages to match union standards to avoid unionization. Unfortunately, declining unionization rates mean that workers are less likely to receive fair wages and be rewarded for their increased productivity. The Employee Free Choice Act, a significant issue debated by the 111th Congress, holds the potential to boost unionization rates and improve the economic standing and workplace conditions of millions of Americans.

Economist Paula B. Voos of the Economic Policy Institute emphasizes that economic recovery and future stability rely on a middle class with sufficient purchasing power to sustain the economy, rather than rebuilding another bubble economy. Greater unionization can contribute to this goal by raising wages and benefits for ordinary workers, reducing income inequality, and fostering a strong middle class that is vital to the nation's economic strength.

While there is no single universally accepted measure of international competitiveness, many analysts use a country's trade balance as an indicator. The chart provided shows that unions do not have a negative impact on national competitiveness and may even be positively correlated with competition. According to the Economic Policy Institute, unionized workers are approximately 28% more likely to have employer-provided health insurance and 53.9% more likely to have employer-provided pensions compared to non-unionized workers.

The positive effects of a syndicalist economy are supported by various factors. One of these is the success of the cooperatively-owned firm model, which is widely accepted within syndicalist circles. A study conducted by Virginie Pérotin, a professor of economics at Leeds University Business School, found that worker cooperatives not only survive as well as other firms, but also outperform them in terms of productivity, especially in capital-intensive industries. Worker cooperatives are also better at preserving jobs during recessions, creating more sustainable employment opportunities. Promoting worker cooperatives could therefore have a positive impact on local communities, improving employment rates, health and social expenditure, and tax revenue. In contrast, conventional firms find it more difficult to elicit pay cuts in exchange for job preservation, as their owners have an incentive to avoid increasing pay when business recovers.

Georges Sorel, a French philosopher and political theorist, played a significant role in shaping syndicalism. His ideas resonated with syndicalist thinkers and became central to the ideology. Sorel introduced the concept of the "myth of the general strike," which aimed to raise workers' class consciousness through a powerful and inspiring vision of the future. This vision depicted a massive and coordinated strike by the entire working class, capable of bringing the capitalist system to a halt and establishing a socialist society. The "myth of the general strike" served as a unifying force that mobilized workers and overcame divisions within the working class.

The idea of the general strike became central to syndicalism, as it was seen as the key to overthrowing capitalism and achieving a socialist society. Syndicalists rejected parliamentary politics and advocated for direct action, such as strikes and sabotage, as the most effective means for workers to achieve their goals. They believed that workers could attain true liberation by taking control of the means of production and establishing a socialist society based on self-management. Sorel also criticized parliamentary politics and viewed the state as controlled by a small elite, leading to syndicalists rejecting political parties and the state as vehicles for change.

While Sorel applauded Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks, he considered the rise of fascism in Italy to be a disaster for the Italian people. However, he acknowledged Mussolini's prowess as a statesman, considering him second only to Lenin. Sorel's ideas helped shape the vision of a socialist society based on workers' control and collective action, which remains a significant part of the syndicalist legacy.

Even with a big impact, syndicalism still faced challenges that led to its decline. Repression and violence against syndicalists, particularly in Europe, hindered the movement's growth and ability to challenge the state effectively. Additionally, syndicalism's focus on direct action and workers' self-organization did not resonate with all workers, who saw the state as a more viable means to achieve their goals. This led to the rise of social democracy and Bolshevism, which overshadowed syndicalism. The decline of syndicalism can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the rise of fascism, suppression by authoritarian regimes, a lack of widespread support among the working class, and failed uprisings. Despite its eventual decline, syndicalism had a significant impact on the labor movement and the fight for workers' rights. Its ideas and tactics continue to influence political thought and activism today.