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 lawsuit said that the bonuses violate a decades-old law that stipulates collective bargaining between unions and the mayor—not legislation—determines compensation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 29, 2026

And, if owners emerge from collective bargaining with a salary cap or other restraint on the Dodgers’ spending, that would be a win for San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

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

The letter suggests that MLB and the players union must confront this “failure” during collective bargaining negotiations that began in May and likely will continue through the expiration of the current agreement Dec. 1.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 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