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 1993, during negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement, David Stern and I accepted an invitation to visit about to become President Nelson Mandela in South Africa. — Charles Grantham, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026

The arbitrator who oversaw those talks ruled that CPD officers, as public employees in a collective bargaining unit, have the right to have their misconduct cases heard and ruled on by a third party out of public view. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 3 Aug. 2026

Among Berg's first major challenges will be negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with MLS players. — Jessica Golden, CNBC, 3 Aug. 2026

But don’t be surprised if Skubal also gets painted as a villain, joining the superteam Dodgers in the final year before a new collective bargaining agreement. — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 2 Aug. 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