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

Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s concurrence suggested a different path forward: Colleges and athletes could resolve compensation questions through collective bargaining or negotiated agreement, as professional football and basketball players do.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 13, 2026

“It was a serious situation for the district before they went into collective bargaining, and when they came out, they added dollars to the deficit basically,” said Fine of FCMAT.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 2026

But he warned that "provisions under collective bargaining agreements are non-negotiable. The company is also making use of natural staff turnover."

From Barron's ● Jul. 29, 2026

The league’s collective bargaining agreement states that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” but does not specifically exclude transgender women.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 23, 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