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.

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labor movement Cultural  

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

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Etymology

Origin of labor movement

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

That raises the question: In today’s economy, where reasonable work hours, paid-time off and protection against unfair dismissal have become the norm for most workers, can a weakened labor movement survive and thrive?

From The Wall Street Journal

There were even some calls from unions for working hours to be shortened further, but those fizzled out as the labor movement lost ground toward the end of the 20th century.

From The Wall Street Journal

As a fifth-generation Chinese American, Wong had always understood the struggle of immigrants, and sought to connect the labor movement across borders.

From Los Angeles Times

Labor Day is a reminder of the labor movement of the late 19th century when thousands of Americans protested and fought for fairer, more equitable labor laws and workplaces.

From Los Angeles Times

Chavez, the father of the farm labor movement, spent a year in the town organizing workers and registering voters.

From Los Angeles Times