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 strike ended in July 1970 with victory for thousands of Mexican American and Filipino American farmworkers, who reached a collective bargaining agreement with major grape growers. — Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The current collective bargaining agreement between the players and the owners is set to expire in December, which means a lockout and possible cancellation of 2027 games could follow. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026 In the summer of 1970, the strike ended after the United Farm Workers union signed off on collective bargaining agreements that covered 10,000 workers. — James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2026 The current collective bargaining agreement is set to expire this December, and owners are expected to impose a lockout in their push for a salary cap. — Ken Makin, Christian Science Monitor, 26 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for collective bargaining

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of collective bargaining was in 1889

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Collective bargaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collective%20bargaining. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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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

collective bargaining

noun

Examples of collective bargaining in a Sentence

Word History

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Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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