Legal Definitions - rattening

Definition: Rattening (rat-ning) is the act of taking away tools or destroying machinery to force a worker to join a union or to make a company follow union rules. It used to be a common tactic used by labor unions in England, and it was considered a criminal offense.

One example of rattening is when union members would sneak into a factory at night and damage or destroy the machines so that the workers couldn't use them until they joined the union. Another example is when union members would steal the tools of non-union workers, making it difficult for them to do their job.

These examples illustrate how rattening was used as a way to pressure workers and companies to comply with union demands. It was a way for unions to gain more power and influence in the workplace, but it was also illegal and could lead to criminal charges.