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

Trump also reinforced his anti-labor bona fides, Mrvan said, by canceling collective bargaining for 450,000 federal employees. — John Lippert, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

But opening proposals for a new collective bargaining agreement were exchanged only about a month ago, and fans would be wise to stay patient at this stage, experts say. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 25 June 2026

Taken together, the prolonged absence of a collective bargaining agreement and the operational pressures on District-run transportation have created a situation in which the Board of School Directors has determined that a change in approach is necessary and appropriate. — Jessica Riley, CBS News, 24 June 2026

Antetokounmpo’s salary is expected to stay about the same—the max permitted by the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 June 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