closed shop

Definition

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

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.

Noun