labor union

noun

|Updated on: 15 Aug 2018

Definition of labor union

: an organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions

members of a labor union with job protection under a collective bargaining agreement with the employer
—Seth Sandronsky

See labor union defined for English-language learners

See labor union defined for kids

Recent Examples of labor union from the Web

The other independent pro-Jealous campaign is a coalition of progressive groups and labor unions that is being run by Our Revolution Maryland, Progressive Maryland and the Working Families Party.

— Washington Post, "As Md. gubernatorial race tightens, Jealous getting $1 million boost from outside groups," 13 June 2018
Other issues currently at stake under the Trump administration, including guns, labor unions and the environment, could also be a factor, the organization said.

— katie kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, "Fox News’ Brit Hume Deletes "Democrats Don’t Love America" Tweet After Backlash," 5 July 2018
Edgemoor is still working through issues with labor unions.

— steve vockrodt and bill turque, kansascity, "Developer sets new opening date, project budget for KCI single terminal," 21 June 2018
Attorneys for the city and for measure proponents argued on Tuesday that ruling Sanders had to meet with labor unions would amount to stripping him of his First Amendment free speech rights to support a citizen’s initiative.

— david garrick, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Supreme Court questions legality of San Diego pension cuts during oral arguments," 29 May 2018
The orders instructing agencies to change their approach to federal sector collective bargaining, and the use of official time to conduct union representational activities, looked set to trigger a direct fight with labor unions at large.

— louise radnofsky, WSJ, "Trump Issues Orders Making It Easier to Fire Federal Workers," 25 May 2018
Casey, 58, is popular with labor unions and backed Obama's signature policies.

— NBC News, "Primaries set up November races in Pennsylvania, Nebraska and Oregon," 16 May 2018
Casey, 58, is popular with labor unions and backed former president Barack Obama’s signature policies.

— trip gabriel, BostonGlobe.com, "Trump supporter Barletta wins GOP nod to take on Sen. Casey," 16 May 2018
Macron’s pro-business ethos and bullish style have pitted him against France’s powerful labor unions, who want to retain the country’s strong workers’ rights.

— david meyer, Fortune, "Could a Major Airline 'Disappear'? Here's What You Need to Know About the Turmoil at Air France-KLM," 7 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'labor union.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of labor union

1849

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Financial Definition of LABOR UNION

labor union

noun

What It Is

A labor union is an organization that advocates for workers' rights and benefits through collective bargaining.

How It Works

Labor unions represent workers in both the public and private sector. Individual labor unions represent workers in specific industries and function in an intermediary capacity between employers and employees. Unions negotiate directly with employers on employees' behalf with regard to compensation, conditions and working hours.

Workers employed by transportation, shipping and manufacturing companies typically maintain contracts with labor unions. The unions agree to engage employers in collective bargaining in return for union dues withheld from payroll. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and United Steel Workers are two prominent labor unions in the United States.

Why It Matters

Labor unions protect workers from exploitation and ensure fairness of pay as well as safe, reasonable working conditions. Many economists argue that labor unions have a distortive effect on the labor market that results in decreased efficiency.

Source: Investing Answers

LABOR UNION Defined for English Language Learners

labor union

noun

Definition of labor union for English Language Learners

: an organization of workers formed to protect the rights and interests of its members

LABOR UNION Defined for Kids

labor union

noun

Definition of labor union for Students

: an organization of workers formed to help them get better pay and working conditions

Law Dictionary

labor union

noun

legal Definition of labor union

: a labor organization usually consisting of workers of the same trade that is formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests (as through collective bargaining) in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions — see also craft union, bargaining unit

Note: Labor unions and employers are subject to the provisions of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA or Wagner Act), as amended by the Labor Management Relations (Taft-Hartley) Act and the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure (Landrum-Griffin) Act. The NLRA authorized the establishment of the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency which administers the provisions of the Act.