trade union

noun

1. a labor union of craftspeople or workers in related crafts, as distinguished from general workers or a union including all workers in an industry.

2. labor union.

trade union

noun

1. an association of employees formed to improve their incomes and working conditions by collective bargaining with the employer or employer organizations

Other Word Forms

• trade unionism noun
• trade unionist noun
• trade-union adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade union¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

The Unite trade union said drivers working for various operators under the publicly controlled Bee Network have rejected pay offers ranging between 3.5 and 6% following months of negotiations.

From BBC

I am so proud to have worked alongside the trade union movement, who have given me everything, to deliver that.

From BBC

The TUC, the umbrella group for trade unions in the UK, is calling for Chancellor Rachel Reeves to consider a range of wealth taxes in November's Budget to help boost investment in public services.

From BBC

The project has also amassed broad support from organized labor, especially the region’s construction trade unions, which say it would create thousands of jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

A trade union which represents hospital doctors says whistleblowers in the trust have been subjected to "unwarranted scrutiny" and suffered a "detrimental impact on their career".

From BBC