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.

Where the Padres may be unique is MLB’s collective bargaining agreement unfairly weakening the club’s farm-building and trade-making wherewithal. — Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2026 But others are still at work, laboring under a new collective bargaining agreement with another labor organization, the International Longshoremen’s Association. — Talia Soglin, Chicago Tribune, 5 July 2026 Kyle Kuzma aired out his grievances with the NBA’s current collective bargaining agreement Friday and shot off some fireworks before the July Fourth weekend. — Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 4 July 2026 The Ducks have seven days to exercise their right of first refusal on the player, per the NHL collective bargaining agreement. — Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 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

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Collective bargaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collective%20bargaining. Accessed 10 Jul. 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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Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Legal Definition

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