labor union

noun

Updated on: 12 Apr 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

In Germany, strikes by the powerful IG Metall labor union—which represents metal and electrical workers—lowered industrial output in February, but concluded in a pay deal and further disruption is unlikely.

— tom fairless, WSJ, "Europe’s Slowing Economy Poses Challenge for ECB," 6 Apr. 2018
Meanwhile, university students are also protesting admissions restrictions this spring and are joining forces with the SNCF’s labor union for mammoth protests around the country on a near-daily basis.

— christine cantera, Condé Nast Traveler, "How to Navigate the French Train Strikes Happening This Spring," 4 Apr. 2018
The coalition wants to see more labor union leaders, academics and nonprofit executives on Fed boards.

— heather long, Houston Chronicle, "Federal Reserve’s lack of diversity faulted," 1 Apr. 2018
Among these were scientists, lawyers, doctors, philosophers, labor union representatives, business leaders, startup entrepreneurs, and even one roundtable of 15 girls, who discussed the involvement of girls in the sciences.

— alex castro, The Verge, "Meet the “Lady Gaga of Mathematics” helming France’s AI task force," 28 Mar. 2018
Labor relations The labor contract between the NFL owners and the NFL Players Association labor union doesn’t expire for three years, but the next round of negotiations could be contentious in 2021, a potential headache for a new owner.

— katherine peralta and rick rothacker, charlotteobserver, "Why buying the Carolina Panthers – or any NFL team – is risky business | Charlotte Observer," 23 Mar. 2018
And labor unions are uniquely capable of turning working class voters onto it.

— eric levitz, Daily Intelligencer, "5 Lessons From the Pennsylvania Special Election," 14 Mar. 2018
The construction industry and labor unions this week released a study that argued the new gas tax would have wide-ranging benefits over the next decade, supporting about 68,200 jobs each year.

— adam ashton, sacbee, "Caltrans is desperate to fill thousands of new jobs | The Sacramento Bee," 12 Mar. 2018
Meanwhile, the council’s flip-flop on labor peace is stirring new frustration from Unite Here, the labor union which represents hospitality workers.

— gilbert garcia, San Antonio Express-News, "Chamber pressure compels council to buckle on labor peace," 3 Mar. 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

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.