closed shop

noun

1. a factory, office, or other business establishment in which union membership is a condition of being hired as well as of continued employment.

closed shop

noun

1. (formerly) an industrial establishment in which there exists a contract between a trade union and the employer permitting the employment of the union's members only Compare open shop union shop

closed shop

1. Technically, a business in which employees must join a labor union before being hired. This practice is now illegal. The term is used synonymously with union shop .

Word History and Origins

Origin of closed shop¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Example Sentences

The government's proposed new football regulator would create a "closed shop" of top sides, West Ham United vice chair Karren Brady has warned.

From BBC

“Reservation Dogs,” one of the best shows of the 21st century, intentionally closed shop after its third season, as the equally fine “Atlanta” did after its fourth.

From Los Angeles Times

Roughly a third of the nation’s newspapers have closed shop since 2005.

From Los Angeles Times

Roughly a third — 2,500 — have closed shop across the country since 2005.

From Los Angeles Times

Their rise under Emery will also give hope to those fearing the top four will always be a closed shop, following on from Newcastle United’s example last season in gatecrashing the so-called established order.

From BBC