collective bargaining: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, professional, academic
Quick answer
What does “collective bargaining” mean?
A process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees (usually represented by a trade union) aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees (usually represented by a trade union) aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions.
The institutionalized system and practice of labor-management dialogue for determining wages, benefits, hours, health and safety standards, and other terms of employment through direct negotiation between organized workers and their employer or employers' association.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Term is identical and standard in both varieties. The process is a central feature of labor relations in both countries, though legal frameworks differ.
Connotations
Neutral-to-positive in academic/professional contexts; can be politically charged in public discourse, often associated with union power, workers' rights, and sometimes industrial conflict.
Frequency
High frequency in labor law, HR, industrial relations, economics, and news reporting on strikes or contract negotiations.
Grammar
How to Use “collective bargaining” in a Sentence
The union entered into collective bargaining with management.Wages are determined through collective bargaining.The right to collective bargaining is protected by law.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “collective bargaining” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The union is prepared to collectively bargain over the new productivity scheme.
- They have been bargaining collectively for years.
American English
- The union is ready to collectively bargain over the new merit pay plan.
- They have bargained collectively for years.
adjective
British English
- The collective-bargaining process was concluded peacefully.
- They reached a collective-bargaining agreement.
American English
- The collective-bargaining process wrapped up peacefully.
- They reached a collective-bargaining contract.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new pay scale was agreed upon after months of difficult collective bargaining.
Academic
The study examines the impact of decentralised collective bargaining on wage inequality.
Everyday
The teachers' union is starting collective bargaining for a new contract next week.
Technical
The principle of ultra vires may apply if a union official acts outside the mandate given for collective bargaining.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “collective bargaining”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “collective bargaining”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “collective bargaining”
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'They collective bargained' is incorrect. Use 'They engaged in collective bargaining').
- Confusing 'collective bargaining' (process) with 'collective agreement' (outcome).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While wages are a key issue, collective bargaining also covers benefits (healthcare, pensions), working hours, overtime pay, health and safety standards, grievance procedures, job security, and training.
Usually, a trade union or labour union, through its elected officials and trained negotiators, represents the employees in collective bargaining.
If negotiations break down, it can lead to a dispute resolution process (mediation, arbitration) or industrial action, such as a strike by workers or a lockout by the employer.
In many countries, including the UK and US, the right of workers to engage in collective bargaining is protected by national labor laws, though the specifics and strength of these protections vary significantly.
A process of negotiation between employers and a group of employees (usually represented by a trade union) aimed at reaching agreements to regulate working conditions.
Collective bargaining is usually formal, professional, academic in register.
Collective bargaining: in British English it is pronounced /kəˌlektɪv ˈbɑːɡɪnɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˌlektɪv ˈbɑːrɡɪnɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be at the bargaining table”
- “to bring to the bargaining table”
- “bargaining in good faith”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COLLECTIVE (a group acting together) + BARGAINING (haggling/negotiating over a deal). A group of workers bargaining together for a deal.
Conceptual Metaphor
BARGAINING IS A GAME (with rules, players, strategies, wins/losses); BARGAINING IS A JOURNEY (path, process, reaching an agreement as a destination).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of collective bargaining?