trade-union

A trade-union representative discusses a new contract with management.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An organization of workers formed to protect and promote their collective interests: A "trade-union" is an association of employees in a particular industry or occupation, created for the purpose of negotiating with employers over wages, working conditions, benefits, and other employment matters.

Usage Examples

• (The union bargained on behalf of employees.)
• (She became a member to gain collective bargaining power.)

Advanced Usage

• "to be a member of a trade-union": to belong to such an organization.

  • He has been a member of the trade-union for over twenty years. (He has been part of the union for a long time.)

• "trade-union membership": the state or condition of being a union member.

  • Trade-union membership has declined in many countries over recent decades. (Fewer workers are joining unions.)

• "trade-union activity": actions taken by a union to support its members, such as strikes or negotiations.

  • The trade-union activity included a series of peaceful protests. (The union organized demonstrations.)

Variants and Related Words

• Trade union (n): a variant spelling of "trade-union", often used without the hyphen.

  • The trade union held its annual meeting last week. (The union gathered for its yearly conference.)

• Trade unionist (n): a member or supporter of a trade union.

  • She is a dedicated trade unionist who advocates for fair wages. (She is an active union supporter.)

• Trade unionism (n): the principles, policies, or system of trade unions.

  • Trade unionism has a long history in industrial countries. (The movement of organized labor.)

Synonyms

• Labor union: a similar organization, especially in the United States.
• Workers' association: a general term for a group representing employees.
• Collective bargaining unit: a formal term for a union recognized to negotiate on behalf of workers.

Related Idioms

• Union shop: a workplace where all employees must join the trade union within a certain period after hiring.

  • The factory operates as a union shop, so new hires must become union members. (The workplace requires union membership.)

• Closed shop: a workplace where only union members may be hired.

  • The closed shop policy was controversial among employers. (Only union members could work there.)