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.

On Wednesday, Olivier was fined $5,000, the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026 Players on the winning team of this year’s Finals will each take home $60,000, while runners-up will earn $20,000 apiece, under terms of the historic collective bargaining agreement signed earlier this year between owners and players. — Sara Germano, Sportico.com, 10 Oct. 2026 That’s when the current collective bargaining agreement between players and owners expires — and folks in the know fully expect a lockout. — Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026 The Division Series, the sport’s second playoff round, would become a best-of-seven series, rather than a best-of-five, the league proposed Thursday in collective bargaining with the players’ union. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 8 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 20 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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