Legal Definitions - syndicalism

Syndicalism refers to a political and economic theory where workers, typically organized in trade unions, aim to take direct control over industries and the economy. The primary method often involves direct action, such as general strikes, rather than through traditional political parties or elections. The ultimate goal is for workers themselves to manage production and distribution.

• Example 1: A national union representing all public transport workers (bus drivers, train operators, subway staff) declares a coordinated, indefinite strike across the entire country. Their demands go beyond wages; they insist that the government transfer ownership and management of all public transportation infrastructure directly to the workers' unions, arguing that the workers are best suited to run these essential services efficiently and equitably.

  Explanation: This illustrates syndicalism because the workers, through their unions, are using a general strike as a direct action to gain control over the "means of production and distribution" (public transportation) rather than negotiating with employers or lobbying politicians for policy changes.

• Example 2: Employees at a large food processing plant, frustrated with corporate management and seeking more democratic control over their workplace, collectively vote to occupy the factory. They declare their intention to continue production under their own management, distributing profits among themselves and making operational decisions democratically, without external corporate oversight.

  Explanation: This demonstrates syndicalism as the workers are directly seizing control of a "means of production" (the factory) and attempting to manage it themselves, bypassing traditional ownership structures and political processes.

Criminal Syndicalism is a legal concept that refers to advocating for or teaching the use of unlawful or violent methods to achieve industrial or political change, particularly when those methods are aimed at transferring control of industries or government to workers' organizations.

• Example 1: A radical labor group publishes pamphlets and holds public meetings openly encouraging its members to commit acts of industrial sabotage, such as destroying machinery or disrupting supply chains, as a means to force companies to cede control of their operations to worker collectives.

  Explanation: This is criminal syndicalism because the group is advocating and teaching "illegal methods" (sabotage) to achieve "industrial control" by workers.

• Example 2: During a public rally, a speaker for a workers' movement explicitly calls for the armed overthrow of the current government and the seizure of all private businesses by force, to be subsequently run by workers' councils.

  Explanation: This illustrates criminal syndicalism because it involves advocating for "illegal methods" (violent overthrow, seizure of property by force) to achieve "political control" and "industrial control."