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

Ogwumike is the president of the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, which recently negotiated a historic collective bargaining agreement, highlighted by the first multi-million-dollar contracts in league history. —John Davis, Daily News, 9 May 2026

Medved sees men’s basketball having a collective bargaining agreement and football having a separate one. —Andy Greder, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026

The historic collective bargaining agreement between owners and players is complete. —Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 8 May 2026

These contracts are a new feature of the collective bargaining agreement designed to provide players with three or fewer years of experience an opportunity to train with teams. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 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