unionization
gb/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən/ us/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
C1
process
1
forming a labor union
the process of workers creating or joining a union
Usage pattern:
unionization of [workers/workplaces]; unionization among [workers]; [workers] push for/support/oppose unionization
Common mistake:
Usually refers to labor unions, not marriage or ordinary teamwork. UK English often spells it unionisation.
Synonyms
union organizing (emphasizes the practical work of persuading and organizing workers)
|
labor organizing (slightly broader; can include other worker activism)
Antonyms
deunionization (the process of reducing or removing union representation)
|
decertification (the formal legal removal of a union as workers' representative)
Collocations
worker unionization
|employee unionization
|workplace unionization
|unionization drive
|unionization campaign
|support unionization
|oppose unionization
|prevent unionization
|push for unionization
|unionization effort
Themes
labor_relations
|work
|business
|politics
Examples
- Unionization at the warehouse began after employees complained about unpredictable schedules.
- The company said it would not interfere with unionization, but workers reported pressure from managers.
- Recent unionization among baristas has spread to stores in several cities.
Learner examples
- The factory workers supported unionization.
- Unionization can help workers bargain together.
Noun
C1
state
2
extent of union representation
how much of a workplace or industry is covered by unions
Usage pattern:
high/low unionization in [industry/country]; unionization among [workers]
Common mistake:
Do not use unionization for a company's merger; use merger or unification instead.
Synonyms
union density (more technical; often means the percentage of workers who are union members)
|
union coverage (emphasizes workers covered by union agreements, not always members)
Antonyms
nonunion status (the absence of union representation)
|
deunionization (the movement away from union representation over time)
Collocations
high unionization
|low unionization
|declining unionization
|rising unionization
|unionization levels
|unionization rates
|degree of unionization
|public-sector unionization
|private-sector unionization
Themes
labor_relations
|work
|business
|statistics
Examples
- Unionization is much higher in the public sector than in many private industries.
- Researchers compared unionization across regions, age groups, and occupations.
- Low unionization can leave wages more dependent on individual negotiations.
Learner examples
- Unionization is high in this industry.
- Unionization has fallen in some places.
Grammar
Dictionary form
unionization
IPA
GB/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən/
US/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
uni - on - iz - a - tion (5 syllables)
Stress on 4th syllable (a)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: unionization
- Plural: unionization
Expressions
unionization drive
1/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən dɹˈaɪv/
fixed phrase
campaign to form a union
a campaign to get workers to join or create a union
Examples
- The unionization drive at the plant gained support after layoffs were announced.
- Managers are not allowed to threaten workers during a unionization drive.
- A successful unionization drive can lead to collective bargaining with the employer.
unionization election
1/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən ɪlˈɛkʃən/
fixed phrase
legal
official union representation election
an official workplace election about whether workers will have a union
Examples
- Workers filed a petition for a unionization election after collecting enough signatures.
- The labor board scheduled the unionization election for late May.
- Both sides campaigned intensely in the weeks before the unionization election.
unionization rate
1/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən ɹˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
percentage of unionized workers
the share of workers who belong to or are represented by a union
Examples
- The report found that the unionization rate fell among private-sector workers.
- Countries with higher unionization rates often have different wage-setting systems.
- The company operates in an industry with a very low unionization rate.
unionization vote
1/jˌunjənəzˈeɪʃən vˈoʊt/
fixed phrase
vote on forming a union
a vote where workers choose whether to have a union
Examples
- Employees won the unionization vote by a narrow margin.
- The company agreed not to interfere before the unionization vote.
- A majority of eligible workers must support the unionization vote for the union to be certified.