Skip to main content
syndicalism

syndicalism

1 9.9
A movement that wants workers' unions to run industry and government, often using strikes
  • noun
  • /ˈsɪndɪkəlɪzəm/
translation icon : sindicalismo
  • Many activists believe that syndicalism can empower workers to challenge oppressive labor practices effectively.

Examples

  • The workers' movement organized around syndicalism aimed to achieve change through strikes and direct action.

  • Anarcho-syndicalism is a way of preserving freedom.

  • The period of 1917-1919 was apparently the apogee of militant syndicalism.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Whitney was convicted under the latter section even though she did not formally belong to an organization advocating syndicalism.

    Academic text (2009)
  • His thesis is that the fascist ideology emerged partly from the French revolutionary far-left, notably Georges Sorel's Revolutionary syndicalism.

    Blog text (24)
  • During the early twentieth century, syndicalism gained popularity as labor unions began to advocate for workers' rights.

Synonyms

labor movement
vssyndicalism
  • US
18 3.6

An organized group of workers and unions trying to get better pay and conditions

seeks direct control of industry and government via strikes or sabotage
unionism
vssyndicalism
5 5.3

Support for workers joining unions to improve pay and working conditions

supports direct worker control of industry and government using strikes or sabotage
trade unionism
vssyndicalism
  • Formal
1 3.6

The idea and practice of workers forming groups to protect rights at work

focuses on taking economic and political power through direct worker action
trade union movement
vssyndicalism
1 2.7

An organized effort by workers to improve pay and working conditions

advocates worker takeover of industry and government by direct action
labourism
vssyndicalism
  • UK
7.5

Support for political ideas that help workers and unions

advocates direct control by workers and action outside party politics

How Independent

syndicalism
1 9.9
trade unionism
  • Formal
1 3.6
company union
  • Specialized
7.4

Surface Forms

syndicalism singular
syndicalisms plural

Morphology

syndicalism = syndical (semi-transparent) = syndic + al + ism

The formation 'syndical' + '-ism' (ideology) is compositionally clear, but the adjective 'syndical' and its relation to 'syndic/syndicate' are relatively rare and may not be known to learners.

Etymology

Syndicalism comes from the French word syndicat, meaning 'trade union', and from syndic, a person chosen as a 'representative'. So syndicalism is the idea of workers acting together through unions to run industries and shape government.