CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo)

CNT (Confederación Nacional del Trabajo) is a Spanish confederation of anarcho-syndicalist labor unions, historically one of the most influential forces in the labor movement of Spain. Founded in Barcelona in 1910, it played a central role in major social conflicts, most notably during the Spanish Civil War. Adhering to principles of direct action, workers' self-management, and federalism, it has experienced periods of intense activity, severe repression, and modern revival.

History

The CNT was established at a congress in the Teatro de Bellas Artes in Barcelona, emerging from the confluence of various local unions and the legacy of the Spanish section of the International Workingmen's Association. Its early growth was rapid, fueled by industrial strife in Catalonia and Andalusia, leading to major confrontations like the La Canadiense strike in 1919. The organization faced severe repression during the dictatorship of Primo de Rivera and was a key protagonist in the social upheavals of the Second Spanish Republic, including the Asturian miners' strike of 1934. Following the victory of Francisco Franco, it was outlawed and brutally suppressed, operating in exile and clandestinely for decades.

Ideology and principles

The ideological foundation of the organization is revolutionary anarcho-syndicalism, drawing from the thought of Mikhail Bakunin, Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, and Élisée Reclus. Its core principles include class struggle, direct action (eschewing political party politics), and the goal of establishing a stateless society based on libertarian communism and workers' self-management. It rejects all forms of political and economic authoritarianism, advocating for a social revolution to abolish capitalism and the state, to be replaced by a federation of free communes and syndicates.

Organizational structure

The structure is based on federalism and direct democracy, organized from the bottom up. The basic unit is the syndicate, a union organized by industry or trade at the local level. These syndicates federate into local and regional confederations, with the plenary congress of delegates from all syndicates serving as the supreme decision-making body. Between congresses, coordination is handled by secretariats and committees with strictly revocable mandates, reflecting its anti-authoritarian principles and opposition to permanent bureaucracy.

Role in the Spanish Civil War

Following the July 1936 military uprising, the organization, alongside the Federación Anarquista Ibérica, became a decisive force in resisting the Nationalist coup, particularly in Barcelona, Valencia, and Aragon. Its militias, such as the Durruti Column, played crucial roles in the early fighting. In areas under its influence, it implemented widespread collectivization in industry and agriculture. The increasing centralization of power under the Republican government, culminating in events like the May Days of 1937, led to its marginalization and the suppression of its revolutionary achievements.

Post-Franco era and modern activity

After the death of Francisco Franco and during the Spanish transition to democracy, the CNT was legally reconstituted in 1977, holding a massive rally at the Montjuïc in Barcelona. It rejected the Moncloa Pacts and the emerging system of social democracy and business unionism, leading to a major split in 1979 that resulted in the formation of the Confederación General del Trabajo. The modern organization remains a smaller, ideologically purist union, focused on grassroots labor struggles, squatting, social centers like CSOA La Dragona, and publishing through outlets such as the newspaper CNT.

International relations

Historically, the CNT was a founding member of the International Workers' Association, the global anarcho-syndicalist federation created in Berlin in 1922, maintaining fraternal relations with groups like the Industrial Workers of the World in the United States and the Freie Arbeiterinnen- und Arbeiter-Union in Germany. During the Spanish Civil War, it received international solidarity from organizations such as the Dielo Truda group. Today, it remains affiliated with the modern International Workers' Association and collaborates with other libertarian unions worldwide. Category:Anarcho-syndicalist labor unions Category:Organizations established in 1910 Category:Spanish Civil War