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

Attiah was a member of the Post Guild and covered by its collective bargaining agreement. — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 24 Aug. 2026

Under the collective bargaining agreement, first-year players receive a $2,000 weekly per diem during training camp and the preseason. — Jason Lloyd, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026

In the suit, the Mamdani administration maintained that the Council acted outside the bounds of its authority and broke laws around collective bargaining in giving paraprofessionals the pay boost. — Cayla Bamberger, New York Daily News, 19 Aug. 2026

Bird, the former Celtics’ star, was allowed to remain with Boston after the 1983-84 season when the initial salary cap was negotiated in the NBA collective bargaining agreement. — Barry M. Bloom, Forbes.com, 15 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