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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 14, 2026

Today, every worker, unionized or not, enjoys safeguards that were once the crown jewels of organized labor.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 15, 2025

Over decades, Peronism built up strong loyalty and territorial control in the province by forging close ties to organized labor and grassroots organizations, handing out pensions for retired manual laborers and stipends for young mothers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 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

In the city’s richest clubs, industrialists gathered to toast the fact that Carter Henry Harrison, whom they viewed as overly sympathetic to organized labor, had lost to Hempstead Washburne, a Republican.

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