Labor Relations Terminology

adjective describing something that is not part of a labor union

• Nonunion workers do not have the same protections and benefits as unionized workers.
• My cousin is a nonunion employee at the factory.
• I heard that company is trying to bust up the nonunion workers.
• The team's lack of cohesion was like a nonunion of different parts.

noun the state of being older or higher in rank or status than others

• Seniority is an important factor to consider when making decisions in a hierarchical organization.
• In this company, seniority matters when it comes to promotions and benefits.
• Some people think seniority is just a fancy word for being old.
• In the world of politics, seniority can be seen as a currency of power.

noun a person who works during a strike to keep a company operating

adjective relating to or characteristic of strikebreakers

• The company hired strikebreakers to ensure production continued during the labor strike.
• The strikebreakers were brought in to fill in for the striking workers.
• The strikebreakers were seen as scabs by the striking workers.
• In times of conflict, she acted as a strikebreaker by mediating between the two parties.

verb to organize or form a labor union

• The employees decided to unionize in order to negotiate better working conditions.
• The workers are planning to unionize so they can ask for higher wages.
• We're gonna unionize and demand fair treatment from the company.
• The different departments unionized to work together towards a common goal.

noun the action or fact of joining or being joined

• The labor union negotiated for better working conditions on behalf of the employees.
• I heard the union is organizing a protest next week.
• The union is really sticking it to the boss this time.
• The union of flavors in this dish creates a perfect balance.

noun a representative body elected by employees to negotiate with management on working conditions, wages, etc.

• The works council plays a crucial role in representing the employees' interests in the company.
• I heard the works council is discussing the upcoming changes in the workplace.
• The works council is like the employees' voice in the company, you know?
• In a way, the works council acts as a bridge between the management and the workers.

noun AFSCME is an acronym for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a labor union representing public sector employees.

• AFSCME is a labor union representing public sector employees in the United States.
• My mom is a member of AFSCME and she always talks about the benefits they provide.
• I heard AFSCME is really good at negotiating for better pay and benefits.
• Joining AFSCME was like finding a supportive family in the workplace.