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

Under the collective bargaining agreement, appeals will be heard by one of four people — former players Derrick Brooks, Jordy Nelson and James Thrash, or former coach Ron Rivera — who were jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026

But considering the age of the position-player core, the scrutiny owner Mark Walter is under, and MLB owners’ insistence on a salary cap in their early collective bargaining agreement proposals, was the Dodgers’ dynasty over? — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026

This offseason will not be nearly as dramatic as the one that preceded it, given that a collective bargaining agreement is in place and most players are already under contract for 2027. — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Mattingly, 65, will take the reins ahead of the 2027 season, which could be at risk of being delayed or shortened pending negotiations of MLB's collective bargaining agreement, CBS Sports reports. — Joe Brandt, CBS News, 14 Oct. 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