Definition

Noun: A hiring hall is a union-operated placement office where jobs are allotted to applicants according to seniority or rotation. It serves as a central location where union members can find employment opportunities managed by their labor organization.

Usage

The term "hiring hall" is used specifically in the context of labor unions and employment. It refers to the physical office or the system itself through which work is assigned. - The primary function of a hiring hall is to dispatch union workers to available jobs. - It is a key feature in industries with strong union presence, such as construction, longshore work, and the performing arts.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Operated by a union: The hiring hall system is a union benefit and a method for maintaining employment standards for its members.
• Dispatch system: It can function as a formal dispatch center, matching workers with employers who have agreements with the union.
• Historical context: Hiring halls were particularly important in mid-20th century labor movements to combat unfair hiring practices and ensure steady work for members.

Variants and Related Words

• Union hall: This can be a broader term for the building where a union is headquartered, which may contain the hiring hall.
• Dispatch office: A more general term for a location that sends out workers, not necessarily union-operated.
• Job referral service: A descriptive phrase for the function of a hiring hall.

Synonyms

• Union hiring office
• Labor dispatch center
• Union job bank

Notes

• "Hiring hall" is a compound noun. Its meaning is specific to the labor union context and is not typically used in general business or non-union settings.
• The system of a hiring hall is often governed by the union's collective bargaining agreement with employers.

Noun

1. a union-operated placement office where jobs are allotted to applicants according to seniority or rotation