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

Mrs. Martin—The walking delegate says that's a very selfish way of looking at it.

From Project Gutenberg

Only walking delegates of ideas filled my hollow skull like dried peas in a bladder.

From Project Gutenberg

Rush left the walking delegate fuming in the drift as he walked away.

From Project Gutenberg

But the walking delegate, knowing that all bosses are not so well disposed, that he may not grant to one what he refuses to others, cannot make exception, even if it seems reasonable to him.

From Project Gutenberg

During all that time he never had a strike or even a clash with the walking delegate.

From Project Gutenberg