collective bargaining

American  

noun

1. the process by which wages, hours, rules, and working conditions are negotiated and agreed upon by a union with an employer for all the employees collectively whom it represents.

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collective bargaining British  

noun

1. negotiation between one or more trade unions and one or more employers or an employers' organization on the incomes and working conditions of the employees

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collective bargaining Cultural  

1. Negotiations by representatives of a group of employees, often a labor union, pertaining to conditions of employment, such as wages and working conditions.

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Etymology

Origin of collective bargaining

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

collective bargaining

The court had repeatedly made clear in recent months that it was poised to expand presidential sway over the agencies that regulate areas like consumer protection, collective bargaining and nuclear reactors.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 29, 2026

The city’s police union said Wednesday that the city failed to meet and confer with it over any of the proposals at the LAPD, as required under the collective bargaining process.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026

Developmental contracts were introduced this year as part of the league’s new collective bargaining agreement.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 15, 2026

UMG and WMG said in statements that they are in negotiations on a collective bargaining agreement with AFM.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026

After collective bargaining failed, Carnegie shut down its Homestead plant and locked out the union workers.

From "Fannie Never Flinched" by Mary Cronk Farrell