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

That is because suspensions without pay divert cash to the same place as fine money under the collective bargaining agreement. —Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 23 Apr. 2025

The collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2026 season. —Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025

The aim would not be to resurrect a universal liberal order, but to consolidate a tight economic alliance—one that defends its members, isolates adversaries, and wields collective bargaining power. —Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 16 Apr. 2025

While this season is in a good place, the league and players union are working on a new collective bargaining agreement that will need to be decided before the 2026 season takes place. —Arkansas Online, 15 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1891, 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