labor union
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: An organization of workers, typically in a specific trade or industry, formed to protect and advance their collective rights and interests, primarily through collective bargaining with employers regarding wages, working conditions, benefits, and other employment terms.
Usage
A "labor union" (also commonly called a "trade union" or simply a "union") functions as a collective voice for employees. It is a formal, organized group that negotiates employment contracts (collective bargaining agreements) with management on behalf of its members. Membership is usually voluntary but can be a condition of employment in some workplaces.
Examples
- The labor union successfully negotiated for higher wages and better health insurance for all factory workers.
- Teachers in the district voted to form a labor union to address class size concerns.
- Before the strike, the labor union presented its list of demands to the company's management.
- He pays monthly dues to his labor union.
Advanced Usage
- "To be in a labor union" / "To be unionized": To be a member of a labor union. "The auto plant is unionized, meaning all workers belong to the same labor union."
- "Collective bargaining": The core process of negotiation between a labor union and an employer. "The labor union entered into collective bargaining with the airline."
Variants and Related Words
- Trade union: A synonym for "labor union," often used in British English and for unions representing workers in a specific skilled trade.
- Union (noun): The common, shortened form of "labor union." "She is a proud member of the teachers' union."
- Unionize (verb): To form or become part of a labor union. "The workers voted to unionize."
- Union member / Unionized worker: An individual who belongs to a labor union.
Synonyms
- Trade union
- Workers' union
- Guild (historically, and for some skilled crafts)
- Brotherhood/Sisterhood (used in the names of some unions, e.g., "International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers")
Antonyms
- Non-union workforce
- Management
- Employer's association
Related Phrases
- Union dues: Regular payments made by members to fund the union's operations.
- Union representative / Shop steward: An elected union member who represents coworkers in dealings with management.
- Union contract / Collective bargaining agreement: The formal, legally binding agreement resulting from negotiations between the union and employer.
- To go on strike: A work stoppage initiated by a labor union as a form of protest or to pressure an employer during negotiations.
Noun
- an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer
- you have to join the union in order to get a job