trade union

American  

noun

trade unions plural

1. a labor union of craftspeople or workers in related crafts, as distinguished from general workers or a union including all workers in an industry.

2. labor union.

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trade union British  

noun

1. an association of employees formed to improve their incomes and working conditions by collective bargaining with the employer or employer organizations

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• trade unionism
  noun
• trade unionist
  noun
• trade-union
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• trade unions
  plural

Etymology

Origin of trade union

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

In this scenario, a ballot would take place among party members and affiliated trade union supporters between 6 and 27 August to decide the winner.

From BBC • Jul. 9, 2026

Joel Bodmer is a regional organiser for the UK's largest trade union, Unison.

From BBC • Jun. 16, 2026

The demonstrations began in early May with trade union demands for salary increases, stable fuel supplies and sounder economic management.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

In 2025, inflation soared to 20 percent, prompting the country's largest trade union COB to demand a wage increase of the same percentage.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Suggestions came in from sports and cultural clubs, church groups, ratepayers’ associations, women’s organizations, schools, trade union branches.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela