work rules

American  

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. a set of rules, usually established by one or more unions in an agreement with management, specifying the tasks to be done by each employee.

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Etymology

Origin of work rules

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Up until this week, the dispute over sudden changes to employees’ healthcare plans and other work rules had dragged through federal court with no end in sight.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 13, 2025

In Georgia, state officials expected 345,000 people to apply for eligibility under its work rules; by late 2024, fewer than 4,500 people enrolled, in part because the administrative rules the state imposed were onerous.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 29, 2025

A failure to substantially improve work rules was a major reason why United pilots overwhelmingly rejected a deal last year.

From Reuters • Jul. 18, 2023

In a letter to mediators, union officials said Dallas-based Southwest has been “evasive” and refuses to seriously discuss pay, work rules and other topics.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 29, 2023

Underneath the clash over rights, laws, and work rules, there was a deeper truth that the planters were sensing: The Age of Sugar was ending.

From "Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science" by Marc Aronson