walking delegate

American  

noun

1. (formerly) an official appointed by a trade union to go from place to place to investigate working conditions, to ascertain whether union contracts were being fulfilled, and, sometimes, to negotiate contracts between employers and the union.

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walking delegate British  

noun

1. (in the US) an agent appointed by a trade union to visit branches, check whether agreements are observed, and negotiate with employers

2. (in New Zealand) a trade union official who visits dispersed working areas on a wharf

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Etymology

Origin of walking delegate

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

While their walking delegate was doing so, the Oregon's owners offered the crew a 50% bonus plus full war risk insurance for every man if they would hop to their stations and get her going.

From Time Magazine Archive

The walking delegate then said that for the crew to accept the owner's bonus would be "too mercenary" and the ship did not sail.

From Time Magazine Archive

President Wilson first appointed Pennsylvania's fat, florid William Bauchop Wilson, an oldtime walking delegate.

From Time Magazine Archive

As the American Federation of Labor's walking delegate in Latin America, he had tirelessly gone up & down the continent lining up pro-democratic trade unionists.

From Time Magazine Archive

Mrs. Martin—I heard the walking delegate talk this afternoon.

From Six One-Act Plays by Oliver, Margaret Scott