unionize

American  

[yoon-yuh-nahyz] / ˈyun yəˌnaɪz /

especially British, unionise

verb (used with object)

unionized, unionizing

1. to organize into a labor union; bring into or incorporate in a labor union.

2. to subject to the rules of a labor union.

3. Obsolete. to form into a union.

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verb (used without object)

unionized, unionizing

1. to join in a labor union.

2. Obsolete. to form a union.

unionize British  

/ ˈjuːnjəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to organize (workers) into a trade union

2. to join or cause to join a trade union

3. (tr) to subject to the rules or codes of a trade union

4. to join or become joined in marriage or civil partnership

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Other Word Forms

• overunionize verb
• unionization noun
• unionizer noun

Etymology

Origin of unionize

First recorded in 1835–45; union + -ize

Explanation

To unionize is to form a group of workers that has more power to negotiate with an employer. Fast food employees might unionize so they can bargain for higher wages and safer working conditions. When workers unionize, they vote to join a union, or a collective bargaining group. Sometimes belonging to a union is easy: most public school teachers, police officers, and other municipal employees automatically join existing unions when they're hired. In non-union jobs, however, like waiting tables or delivering food, employees who want to unionize have to convince a majority of their coworkers to vote in favor of the move.

Example Sentences

With claims to intellectual property becoming more complex and difficult to prove in the digital age, sex workers seeking to unionize say the stakes of their efforts are higher than ever.

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2026

In reality, such meetings allow businesses to provide their side of the story, which employees deserve to hear before voting to unionize.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 3, 2026

What’s more, only employees can unionize and collectively bargain under the National Labor Relations Act.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 30, 2026

More recently the franchise hasn’t stood in the way of another segment of employees attempting to unionize.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 12, 2025

I could act as a public person—able to defend my interests, to unionize, to petition, to speak up—to challenge and demand.

From "Hunger of Memory" by Richard Rodriguez