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rom 1910 to today: How does the CNT continue to shine in the Spanish workers' movement
Since its founding in Barcelona in 1910, Spain's National Workers' Confederation (CNT) has been a major force in the workers' movement. Despite experiencing many political upheavals, the CNT continues to influence all levels of the workers' movement with its unique anarcho-unionist philosophy. CNT not only fights for workers’ economic rights, but also advances its ideas step by step in social structure, giving every member the opportunity to participate.
"We don't make any distinction when joining the union, as long as you are a worker or a student, whether you are employed or unemployed."
The CNT's organizational structure is based on direct democracy, with all decisions made through discussion and consensus among union members rather than through voting. This is relatively rare in the current trade union movement, especially given that most trade union elections are subject to external interference.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the founding of the CNT marked an important turning point in the Spanish workers' movement. The origins of the union's struggle can be traced back to the founding of the Spanish Workers' International (IWA) in 1870, while the creation of the CNT clearly marked a new chapter in the labor movement guided by anarchism. Growing from an initial 26,571 members to 1.58 million in the 1930s, the vitality displayed by the CNT demonstrates the inexhaustible power behind it.
"We want to improve their conditions in the current social system and prepare them for future liberation."
During the Second Spanish Republic, the CNT faced pressure from the regime and other union groups, particularly during a series of strikes and political confrontations between 1931 and 1933, when its influence became increasingly evident. Despite severe repression, the CNT still strives to defend workers' rights and change social structure. Especially during the 1934 Socialist Revolution, the CNT demonstrated its ability to cooperate with other trade union organizations, a cooperation that laid the foundation for the working class struggle.
During the Spanish Civil War, the CNT cooperated with other socialist and communist parties, but also faced conflicts and struggles between the parties. During this period, the CNT took control of collective farms such as those in Aragon, providing evidence of independence and self-management for workers in times of crisis.
"We want to achieve a radical change in society through revolutionary trade unionism."
With the end of the civil war and the rise of fascism, the CNT was suppressed and nearly collapsed. However, over time, the CNT has regained its vitality, participating in the current labor movement and working to protect workers' rights. In 2018, the CNT and other trade unions jointly established the International Labor Confederation (ICL-CIT), demonstrating its attention and contribution to the global labor movement.
To this day, the CNT emphasizes the concepts of worker self-management, federalism, and mutual assistance in its union activities. These values not only promote solidarity within the union, but also provide a possible basis for broader social change. Its stance against legal action and emphasis on direct action demonstrate its unique socialist path and future possibilities.
However, as the current social and economic situation changes, facing emerging issues, how should the CNT reposition itself to adapt to the changing environment remains a topic that the future workers' movement needs to think deeply about?
