closed shop

Thân thiện

A factory operates as a closed shop, requiring all workers to be union members.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A workplace where only members of a particular labor union are hired: A "closed shop" is an employment arrangement in which an employer agrees to hire only workers who are already members of a specific, recognized labor union. This practice was historically used to strengthen union membership and bargaining power.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in discussions of labor relations, employment law, and economic history.
• It describes a specific type of union security agreement between a company and a union.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The factory operated as a closed shop, so non-union workers could not get jobs there.
  • Labor laws in many countries now prohibit the closed shop system.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The "closed shop" was more common in the mid-20th century, especially in industries with strong unions like manufacturing and construction. Its legality varies significantly by country and jurisdiction.
• Contrast with "Union Shop": A "union shop" is a related but distinct concept where an employer may hire non-union workers, but those workers must then join the union within a specified period. A "closed shop" does not allow the initial hiring of non-members.

Variants and Related Words

• Union Shop (n): A workplace where employees must join the union after being hired.
• Open Shop (n): A workplace where union membership is not a condition of employment.
• Agency Shop (n): A workplace where employees are not required to join the union but must pay a fee to cover the union's costs of collective bargaining.

Synonyms

• Restricted workplace (in the specific context of union membership).
• Union-only shop.

Antonyms

• Open shop: A company that hires workers regardless of their union membership status.

Related Phrases

• "To operate a closed shop": To run a business under a closed shop agreement.
  • For decades, the shipyard operated a closed shop.
• "Closed shop agreement": The formal contract establishing the closed shop condition.
  • The strike was called after management refused to sign a new closed shop agreement.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a company that hires only union members