Anarcho-syndicalism facts for kids

Anarcho-syndicalism is a type of anarchism. It's a way of thinking that believes worker unions can bring about big changes in society. These changes would give workers more freedom and fairness. Anarcho-syndicalists want to get rid of the current wage system and capitalism. They think these systems cause unfair class divisions and make people unequal.

What Anarcho-Syndicalists Believe

Anarcho-syndicalism has three main ideas:

• Workers’ solidarity: This means workers should stick together and support each other. They believe that when workers unite, they become strong.
• Direct action: This is about workers taking action themselves, rather than waiting for politicians or bosses to make changes. Examples include strikes or boycotts.
• Workers' self-management: This means workers should control their own workplaces and industries. They believe workers know best how to run things.

Anarcho-syndicalists believe that only direct action can truly make a difference. They usually do not take part in indirect actions. For example, they do not focus on electing people to government jobs. Instead, they believe in workers organizing directly to solve problems.

Anarcho-Syndicalism in History

Anarcho-syndicalism played an important role in the Spanish Civil War. During this time, many workers and farmers in Spain organized themselves. They used anarcho-syndicalist ideas to try and create a new society.

Images for kids

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  The 1910 Congress where the Spanish CNT union was started.

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  Émile Pouget, an important figure in anarcho-syndicalism.

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  Evolution of the number of members in the CNT from 1911 to 1937.

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  A CNT poster about the socialization of the Textiles industry.

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  Members of the Spanish anarcho-syndicalist trade union CNT marching in Madrid in 2010.

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  Anarchists in Russia.

See also

In Spanish: Anarcosindicalismo para niños