trade union

noun

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.

trade union

noun

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade union¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

We will now be working with staff, students and the trade unions to help shape these proposals.

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Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee joined Scottish Secretary Douglas Alexander at a meeting with Fife Council, trade unions and local employers earlier.

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Peterborough Citizens is a alliance of people from schools, faith institutions, universities, trade unions, and community groups, who work to tackle community issues.

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"Unless the European Commission changes course, this would be the biggest rollback of digital fundamental rights in EU history," 127 groups, including civil society organisations and trade unions, wrote in a letter on Thursday.

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But a trade union official "personally challenged this, highlighting that our loyalty in banking shouldn't be used against us in pay negotiations".

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