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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The future of this team is uncertain, as much is across the WNBA right now with the league’s collective bargaining agreement expiring at the end of October. Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 11 Oct. 2025 The conclusion of the WNBA Finals brings the beginning of an offseason that will be defined by potentially tense negotiations on a new collective bargaining agreement. Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 11 Oct. 2025 There’s something particularly climactic about this year’s WNBA Finals, coming weeks before the league’s collective bargaining agreement is set to expire and with most players becoming free agents in anticipation of a new leaguewide salary structure. Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2025 Baseball’s collective bargaining agreement, which is set to expire after the 2026 season, could further complicate the situation. Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for collective bargaining

Word History

First Known Use

1891, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of collective bargaining was in 1891

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Cite this Entry

“Collective bargaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collective%20bargaining. Accessed 16 Oct. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on collective bargaining

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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