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

Maybe that needs to be discussed, forcefully, in their next round of collective bargaining. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 14 May 2026

But the timing of this collective bargaining negotiation — after the league has made so much progress — could not be worse, as Jim Bowden writes. —Chris Branch, New York Times, 14 May 2026

To secure passage of Senate Bill 371 last year, Uber dropped its opposition to a bill providing a pathway for collective bargaining rights for drivers. —Sacbee.com, 13 May 2026

Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck said property tax reform is important to Senate Democrats, as well as provisions strengthening collective bargaining for first responders. —Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 13 May 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