Anarchism and Anarcho-Syndicalism

The CNT is not an anarchist organization. This is something which must be made clear. The CNT is an anarcho-syndicalist union. Although there are many similarities between both things, there are also differences.

Anarchism is by definition illegal, a negation of the state which cannot give it permission to live. Anarcho-syndicalism moves within legality: it legalizes its union sections and federations in order to function more easily. Anarcho-syndicalism operates inside of major contradictions.

The base of anarchism is the affinity group, a group of close friends, without regard to jobs, or geographic location. The base of anarcho-syndicalism is the [local] union of various occupations or the industrial union branch.

Anarchist action is theoretically more revolutionary than that of the anarcho-syndicalist. Anarcho- syndicalism struggles for immediate demands, a reformist activity, even if it is outside [capitalist] institutions and based upon its own forces.

When they analyse the process and the value of union action, one dispels the distinction between reformists and revolutionaries. And one must conclude that the only really reformist workers, we are anarcho-syndicalists (Emile Pouget, The present worker)

Anarcho-syndicalism permits the coexistence within it of people of various ideologies: marxists, christians, anarchists... it only requires that they be workers. Anarchist organizations are necessarily formed only of anarchists.

Anarchism functions more on the ideological level, in education, propaganda, information, cultural activity, as well as within anarcho-syndicalist unions... The union acts above all within the places of work.

Anarchism is more than an idea. Anarcho- syndicalism is more than a structure. Anarchists are supposed to be better persons than the social average, with better ethics and less egocentrism. Anarcho-syndicalism expects nothing more from its members than that they are workers and respect its structure.

Anarchism does not direct anarcho-syndicalism. For the latter is more than enough to push forward its own projects. Besides, in Spain it has been anarcho-syndicalism which on more than one occasion has carried along, directed and employed for different purposes the anarchist organizations which supported it.

The actual responsibility of anarchism is enormous since it has to confront to [cuerpo limpio – fair body/forces] to the great capitalist colossus, since the humiliating failure of all the alternatives that has opposed it. Of now its determination in the union means, in order to gather combatants against the system. The influence of the anarchists in the unions has not come through intrigues nor concessions, nor desire for power, but by its bold struggle and militancy in them. The anarchist is honest, generous, not egotistic and is inclined to play always how it is, if with it it gives a guide to the propagation of the ideas. This is the anarchism of combat, and not contemplation [ceremony?] (Manuel Olmedo)

There exist good relations, fraternal, between the CNT and the different libertarian organizations on a national scale, which are in Spain, the FAI [Spanish Anarchist Federation], the FIJL [Spanish Anarchist Youth Federation], and Mujeres Libres [Anarchist Women's organization], as well as with clubs, groups and individual anarchists.

The vast majority of anarchists work within the CNT, and their organizations generally help the anarcho-syndicalist union without conditions.