The Norwegian Syndicalist Federation (NSF) is a federation of anarcho-syndicalist groups across Norway. It is the Norweigian section of the International Workers' Association.
History
Origins
Following the 1909 General Strike in Sweden (which also helped created the SAC), many Swedish workers immigrated to Norway to avoid blacklisting and arrest in Sweden. This led to many anarcho-syndicalists living in Norway, leading to formation of SAC-supported local organisations which fought for workers' rights. Stonemasons created most of these organisations and people became cynical about the use of reformism and existing trade unions. Facing the growing competition with trade union, these local organisations united at a conference in Oslo on the 3rd of July, 1916 and the NSF was formed.
Harsh Early Years
The NSF became popular among stonemasons, miners and construction workers, notably in the North. Many of the Swedish immigrants were deported, nearly destroying the organisation as police repression followed on Norwegian workers. It reached a peak in 1920 with 3,100 members and became relatively inactive outside of feminist causes throughout the rest of the 1920s and 1930s. During World War II, many members were arrested and killed by the new government.
Decline
After World War II, social democracy took hold in Norway, causing people to move away from radical unions and into liberal ones. One local organisation after another was dissolved, and soon the NSF only had one member under the age of 70. They lost control of any buildings and only met informally in private homes, with the organisation finally dissolving in 1973.
Reorganisation
In 1977, old veterans of the NSF and young workers reorganisated the federation, creating a contact network and formed a new trade union. It has begun publishing newspapers and supports strikes in Norway.[1]