labor union

American  

noun

1. an organization of wage earners or salaried employees for mutual aid and protection and for dealing collectively with employers; trade union.

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labor union Cultural  

1. An organization of workers formed to promote collective bargaining with employers over wages, hours, fringe benefits, job security, and working conditions.

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Etymology

Origin of labor union

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

People who know squat about American labor unions still know who Jimmy Hoffa is.

From Los Angeles Times

German politicians and labor unions are increasingly impatient with the French demands.

From The Wall Street Journal

Higher education doesn’t separate the groups, and labor union members don’t skew toward either group.

From The Wall Street Journal

Before that vote, labor unions said the upgrade would generate much-needed construction jobs at a time when housing production has been down.

From Los Angeles Times

American Airlines CEO Robert Isom faced pressure Monday from labor unions frustrated with the carrier's financial performance and handling of recent weather disruptions.

From Barron's

Related Words

• trade union