labor movement

noun

1. labor unions collectively:

   The labor movement supported the bill.

2. the complex of organizations and individuals supporting and advocating improved conditions for labor.
3. the effort of organized labor and its supporters to bring about improved conditions for the worker, as through collective bargaining:

   Their activities proved more harmful than helpful to the labor movement.

labor movement

1. The movement of workers for better treatment by employers, particularly through the formation of labor unions .

Word History and Origins

Origin of labor movement¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

According to a Politico report, the Catholic Diocese of Scranton lost 39% of its physical churches since 2009 — a contraction in a predominantly white, working class region that, combined with a perceived turn by the Democratic Party towards cultural issues, has alienated much of the population from Catholic churches that once mobilized a Democratic Party-aligned labor movement.

From Salon

That last dock strike, 47 years ago, came a few years before the election of Ronald Reagan, who kneecapped the American labor movement for a generation when he summarily fired thousands of striking air traffic controllers.

From Salon

Before winning the seat in 2022, Schiavo, 45, worked in the labor movement as an organizer for the California Nurses Assn. and a political director for the San Francisco Labor Council.

From Los Angeles Times

All four also said they would sign legislation granting striking workers access to state unemployment benefits, a top priority for California’s powerful organized labor movement.

From Los Angeles Times

Also, Teamster leaders evidently also failed to explain to rank-and-file members that Harris has fought for policy after policy strongly backed by the Teamsters and other unions, including the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, which is the labor movement’s No. 1 legislative priority and would make it considerably easier for the Teamsters and other unions to organize.

From Slate