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

1. an organization of employees formed to bargain with the employer
   • you have to join the union in order to get a job