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 a Tuesday night presentation, the Federation asked the school board to recognize them as the bargaining representative for teachers and staff and start the process of creating another collective bargaining agreement. —Olivia Young, CBS News, 25 Apr. 2026

General Counsel Kathy Dupuy Bruno said School Board salaries, which are about $50,000, are set by the Legislature, while cutting employee salaries creates some legal and collective bargaining challenges. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

Like this week’s practices, OTAs are voluntary under the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 21 Apr. 2026

And, depending on what happens with MLB’s next collective bargaining agreement, the Padres’ economics could become even stronger. —Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 20 Apr. 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