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

Derived Forms

• trade unionism, noun
• trade unionist, noun

Other Words From

• trade-union adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trade union¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

John Prescott, who rose through Britain’s trade union movement to become one of the country’s best-known politicians and serve as deputy prime minister for a decade, has died.

From New York Times

The former trade union activist served as Sir Tony Blair’s deputy for 10 years after Labour’s 1997 election landslide.

From BBC

This comes after months of negotiations between the country’s major parties, farmers, the industry, trade unions and environmental groups.

From BBC

Council body Cosla and trade unions previously withdrew support, while health boards and care organisations also expressed concerns.

From BBC

The pharmacies' body, which isn’t a trade union, says 700 pharmacies have shut in England in the last two years alone - the equivalent of seven a week - because of workloads and budget cuts.

From BBC