labor union

noun

: an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions

members of a labor union with job protection under a collective bargaining agreement with the employer

—Seth Sandronsky

Examples of labor union in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

A week later, the United Steelworkers union endorsed Biden for a second term, months after other prominent labor unions made the move to jointly give him their backing. —Akayla Gardner, Fortune, 20 Mar. 2024

One taxpayer group wants input on any possible measure Oct. 22, 2023 Other critics said strong support for the sales tax measure from city labor unions should make voters concerned that much of the money would be spent on employee pay raises, not infrastructure projects and road paving. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2024

The judges pointed out on multiple occasions that there is no written requirement that the law only be used against outright criminal organizations, and one judge specifically noted that labor unions had been repeatedly charged with violating RICO. —Bill Donahue, Billboard, 18 Mar. 2024

This week, the L.A. City Council voted to allow the destruction of the B’nai B’rith Lodge, completed in 1924, a Jewish landmark that later became an important organizing center for various labor unions. —Carolina A. Miranda, Los Angeles Times, 16 Mar. 2024

Tailwinds pushing Lufthansa forward Despite the recent friction with its labor unions, Lufthansa had a good 2023, financially speaking. —Prarthana Prakash, Fortune Europe, 12 Mar. 2024

Key Facts The contract covers around 150 workers at Sega America who are members of the Communications Workers of America and includes yearly raises, according to a statement from the labor union. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

George Duardo, president of the labor union representing city firefighters, didn’t respond to requests for comment on the chief search. —David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Mar. 2024

Expansions and connection to the New Brotherhood Building began in 1948 as membership within the international labor union reached a new height post-World War II. —Bill Lukitsch, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

labor union

noun

: an organization of workers formed to protect the rights and advance the interests of its members concerning wages, benefits, and working conditions

Legal Definition

labor union

noun

: a labor organization usually consisting of workers of the same trade that is formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests (as through collective bargaining) in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions see also craft union, bargaining unit

Note: Labor unions and employers are subject to the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA or Wagner Act), as amended by the Labor Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure (Landrum-Griffin) Act. The NLRA authorized the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency which administers the provisions of the Act.