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

And while only 10% of U.S. workers are in unions now, versus about a third in the mid-1950s, American attitudes toward organized labor have become friendlier.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 20, 2026

Prior to that, he covered coal mining, organized labor, the civil and criminal investigations into Massey Energy’s Upper Big Branch Mine disaster and the trials of Jerry Sandusky and Bill Cosby.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 17, 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

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