non-union

A factory hires non-union workers for the new assembly line.

Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not belonging to a trade union: "non-union" describes a worker, company, or situation that is not part of a labor union (an organization that represents workers in negotiations with employers).
   • Opposed to unions: It can also describe policies, practices, or attitudes that are against the formation or activities of trade unions.

2. Noun (Medicine):

   • Failure of bone to heal: In medical contexts, "non-union" refers to a condition where a broken bone does not join together properly after a fracture.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • The factory hired non-union workers to cut costs. (Workers who are not members of a labor union.)
  • He refused to work on a non-union construction site. (A workplace that does not recognize or employ union members.)

• Noun (Medical):

  • The x-ray showed a non-union of the tibia, requiring surgery. (The bone had not healed together.)

Advanced Usage

• "non-union shop": a workplace where employees are not required to join a union.

  • The company operated as a non-union shop, leaving workers without collective bargaining rights.

• "non-union labor": workers who are not represented by a union.

  • Using non-union labor can lead to lower wages and fewer benefits.

Variants and Related Words

• Non-unionized (adj): not organized into a union.

  • The non-unionized staff voted against forming a union. (Employees not belonging to any union.)

• Non-unionism (n): the practice or policy of opposing or avoiding unions.

  • Non-unionism is common in right-to-work states. (The avoidance of union membership.)

Synonyms

• Unorganized: not belonging to a labor union.
  • The unorganized workers had no collective bargaining power.
• Anti-union: opposed to unions or their activities.
  • The company's anti-union stance led to protests.

Related Idioms

• "Non-union bone": a medical term for a fracture that fails to heal.
  • The patient's non-union bone required a bone graft. (A broken bone that hasn't fused.)

Note on Usage

The word "non-union" is most commonly used in labor contexts. The medical meaning is specialized and used primarily by healthcare professionals. Avoid confusing it with "non-union" as a noun meaning a person who is not a union member (though this is rare).