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 declaration stated that White identified as a transgender woman and claimed eligibility under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement. — Jackson Thompson , Patricia Babcock McGraw Outkick, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026 State law does not require the lawmakers to fund raises, but failure to do so opens the door to renegotiate union contracts, bringing forth questions about the strength of these collective bargaining agreements. — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026 McCarthy said the collective bargaining agreement has fewer time restrictions during the season. — Mike Defabo, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 And, if owners emerge from collective bargaining with a salary cap or other restraint on the Dodgers’ spending, that would be a win for San Diego. — Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

collective agreement
collective bargaining
collective behavior
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Collective bargaining.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/collective%20bargaining. Accessed 1 Sep. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on collective bargaining

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about collective bargaining

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