collective bargaining

noun

: negotiation between an employer and a labor union usually on wages, hours, and working conditions

Examples of collective bargaining in a Sentence

The next round of collective bargaining is scheduled for September.

Recent Examples on the Web

In Deflategate, the courts ultimately deferred to the NFL’s disciplinary process because the commissioner’s authority flowed from a collective bargaining agreement. —Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 June 2026

Realignment is on the table again as Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association are in discussions to renew the collective bargaining agreement, which expires on December 11th. —Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

And while teachers in states with collective bargaining laws earn 24% more than those in states without them, the bargaining table is about much more than money. —Randi Weingarten, Time, 11 June 2026

Some states, like South Carolina and Mississippi, prohibit or greatly limit public employees from joining unions and/or engaging in collective bargaining. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 10 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

collective bargaining

noun

: discussion between an employer and union representatives over wages, hours, and working conditions

Legal Definition

collective bargaining

noun

: negotiation between an employer and a labor union usually on wages, benefits, hours, and working conditions see also bargaining agent at agent, bargaining unit, Labor Management Relations Act