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

This is the second bargaining cycle after Hearst staff first gained union recognition in July 2020 and ratified its first collective bargaining agreement in May 2023. —Katie Campione, Deadline, 23 Feb. 2026

Unions workers at Hearst Magazines ratified a deal with the company, marking their second three-year collective bargaining agreement. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 23 Feb. 2026

The employees at the Memphis facility are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement and do not have bumping rights. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 23 Feb. 2026

When athletes in turn unionize, resulting in collective bargaining agreements with eligibility rules that, because they have been bargained, are exempt from antitrust scrutiny. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1891, 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