Syndicalism and Resistance

Rudolf Rocker's Anarcho-Syndicalism: Theory and Practice is a short introduction to anarchist theories. In particular, the syndicalist form of anarchism holds that anarchism will be achieved only through united collective struggle via radical unions (syndicates). These unions would not only advocate better worker conditions, but demand direct worker control.

A key focus of unions is therefore teaching members, in both anarchist theory as well as self-sufficiency. Sort term, unions can demand better conditions and pay, but the long term goal must be creating entirely new power structures that can eventually grow and overtake the state and private business.

One thing I liked about the book was the concise summary of the history of anarchist thought. While acknowledging that many cultures historically held views similar to anarchism, modern anarchism was born from the ideas of thinkers like Godwin and Proudhon, who wrote that "[private] property is theft". Bakunin built on Proudhon's ideas, firmly believing only struggle would win because the ruling classes were too proud to allow even modest reform without a fight. Kropotkin expanded Bakunin's ideas even further into the realm of anarchist communism, believing the community owned not only the means of production but the products themselves to ensure everyone has basic needs met. Essentially, while all anarchists share the same end goal, there are differences of opinion on how exactly to get there. Some of those differences were very important, and discussed in the final chapter in which Rocker tracks the evolution of anarcho-syndicalism itself through the modern era.

The other thing I like about Rocker's book is that it gives a list of actions that can be taken by workers. Roughly, the possibly direct actions include:

Boycott. Workers boycott certain products and companies, not only for personal use but also for industrial use at the workplace.

Sabotage. Contrary to the typical English meaning, it comes from French and refers to doing work in a "clumsy" manner. In other words, deliberately working slowly so that one is technically following the rules and laws but is still impacting the bottom line of the company. Extreme versions of sabotage could include altering or damaging the equipment to prevent further work, even if new workers are brought in.

Sit-down strike. Workers strike but do so while occupying the workplace so that other workers can't be brought in so easily to replace them.

General strike. Workers in all industries strike together in order to bring the whole economy to a halt and make the elite pay attention to demands. Police and/or militia can be expected to respond at that point, but Rocker points out that a general strike by its nature is very decentralized, which spreads police forces thin and makes it easier for workers to resist.

All in all it is a short (about 100 pages) book that makes a great introduction if you're looking to learn the basics of anarchist thought.