labor movement

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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of labor movement¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Informants sometimes broke up labor movement meetings and tracked people accused, for instance, of checking out German-language books from the library.

From Salon

Butler rose to prominence in the labor movement to become a Democratic strategist before Newsom tapped her for the Senate post.

From Los Angeles Times

At The American Prospect, Thomas Nelson advises the Democratic Party to embrace an economic agenda that uplifts the American worker and fully embraces the labor movement:

From Salon

Before winning the seat in 2022, Schiavo, 45, worked in the labor movement as an organizer for the California Nurses Assn. and a political director for the San Francisco Labor Council.

From Los Angeles Times

All four also said they would sign legislation granting striking workers access to state unemployment benefits, a top priority for California’s powerful organized labor movement.

From Los Angeles Times