Italian Syndicalist Union
The Italian Syndicalist Union (Italian: Unione Sindacale Italiana, USI) is a prominent anarcho-syndicalist trade union in Italy. Established in 1912, the USI emerged from a confederation of "houses of labour" and quickly became a significant force in the Italian labor movement.
Formation and Early Years
The early 20th century was a period of significant labor unrest in Italy, characterized by a series of general strikes from 1904 to 1906. These strikes helped unite Italian workers into the first trade union confederations, such as the General Confederation of Labour. However, disillusionment with the reformist leadership affiliated with the Italian Socialist Party led to the emergence of a syndicalist faction within the CGL by 1907. This faction established the National Resistance Committee, which laid the groundwork for the founding of the USI.
Red Week and World War I
In its early years, the USI spearheaded a series of general strikes, culminating in the Red Week insurrection. This was a response to Italy's entry into World War I, as the syndicalists opposed the war. During this period, the USI was at the forefront of the Biennio Rosso, a wave of intense social conflict from 1919 to 1920. The union played a pivotal role in the occupation of factories, with numerous workplaces being brought under the control of workers' councils.
International Influence and Suppression
The USI was instrumental in the establishment of the International Workers' Association, which became a leading organization for anarcho-syndicalist trade unions worldwide. However, the rise of Italian Fascism led to the suppression of the USI. The union was banned, and many of its members were arrested, driven underground, or forced into exile.
Reconstitution and Modern Activity
In the late 20th century, the USI was reconstituted and continued to engage in radical strike actions. Despite being expelled from the IWA in 2016, along with the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) in Spain and the Free Workers' Union of Germany (FAU), the USI helped establish the International Confederation of Labour, a new international federation of anarcho-syndicalist trade unions.