organized labor

American  

noun

1. all workers who are organized in labor unions.

2. these unions considered as a political force.

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Etymology

Origin of organized labor

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85

Example Sentences

Elected officials and powerful endorsers, including organized labor, pulled their support.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

That raises another potential impediment for state lawmakers hoping to goose the factory-built model: organized labor.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

In 2020 American Compass defended organized labor as a means for combating big government, writing: “We prefer the private ordering of bargains between workers and management to overbearing dictates from Washington.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 7, 2025

Many Catholic universities teach social justice doctrines of the Catholic Church, which have a long history of support for organized labor.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 18, 2025

Burnham claimed the agreement was a victory for the exposition, but in fact the fair’s concessions were a breakthrough for organized labor, and the resulting contracts became models for other unions to emulate.

From "The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson