labor movement

American  

noun

1. labor unions collectively.

   The labor movement supported the bill.

2. the complex of organizations and individuals supporting and advocating improved conditions for labor.

3. the effort of organized labor and its supporters to bring about improved conditions for the worker, as through collective bargaining.

   Their activities proved more harmful than helpful to the labor movement.

---

labor movement Cultural  

1. The movement of workers for better treatment by employers, particularly through the formation of labor unions.

---

Etymology

Origin of labor movement

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

As the the absurdist heist comedy unfolds, the shoplifters—or boosters—realize they can become part of a global labor movement.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

While working as a room service server at a hotel, he helped unionize his workplace and became active in the labor movement.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

With roots in the labor movement, Ugarte said he was a community organizer for the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor and registered union members to vote by mail.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

But the necessity of having such a counterweight, and the choice of the labor movement as the obvious contender, is getting more bipartisan attention these days than at any time in recent memory.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

But thanks to the strikes, there was a positive outcome for the labor movement as well.

From "1919 The Year That Changed America" by Martin W. Sandler