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

Many officials expressed a desire to continue honoring the wider farmworker labor movement, even while minimizing Chavez as an individual figure.

From Los Angeles Times

Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta founded the United Farm Workers and brought new life to the American labor movement, drawing national attention to the brutal working conditions and unlivable wages that agricultural workers experienced.

From Los Angeles Times

I love her so much — she was a big part of our civil rights and labor movement.

From Los Angeles Times

On a broad and somewhat scholarly level, “Autobiography of Cotton” details Mexico’s postindependence labor movements and land reforms.

From The Wall Street Journal

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