Definition

Noun: A union official who travels to various workplaces to monitor and ensure that the terms of collective bargaining agreements are being followed by employers. This role involves direct observation and communication with union members at their job sites.

Usage

The term "walking delegate" is used to refer to the specific union role responsible for on-site enforcement of labor contracts. * The walking delegate visited the construction site to check if safety protocols in the union contract were being met. * Workers reported the issue to their walking delegate, who then investigated the potential contract violation.

Advanced Usage

• Historically, the term was more common in the early to mid-20th century. In modern union terminology, officials performing this function are more often called union representatives, field representatives, or business agents.
• The role emphasizes mobility and direct contact, distinguishing it from union officers who work primarily from a fixed office.

Variants and Related Words

• Union Delegate (n): A more general term for a union member who represents others, which may or may not involve the traveling, on-site aspect.
• Business Agent (n): A common modern equivalent for a full-time union official who handles grievances, negotiations, and contract enforcement, often involving site visits.
• Shop Steward (n): A union representative elected by coworkers at a specific workplace, who may work in conjunction with the traveling walking delegate or business agent.

Synonyms

• Union Representative
• Field Representative
• Business Agent (in this specific context of contract enforcement)

Related Phrases

• To walk the site/floor: The action performed by the delegate, meaning to inspect a workplace.
  • The new business agent made it a priority to walk the site every week.
• Contract enforcement: The primary duty of the walking delegate.
  • Effective contract enforcement relies on having visible representatives on the job.

Noun

1. a union representative who visits workers at their jobs to see whether agreements are observed