unionize

/ˌjunjəˈnaɪz/

Other forms: unionized; unionizing

To unionize is to form a group of workers that has more power to negotiate with an employer. Fast food employees might unionize so they can bargain for higher wages and safer working conditions.

When workers unionize, they vote to join a union, or a collective bargaining group. Sometimes belonging to a union is easy: most public school teachers, police officers, and other municipal employees automatically join existing unions when they're hired. In non-union jobs, however, like waiting tables or delivering food, employees who want to unionize have to convince a majority of their coworkers to vote in favor of the move.

Definitions of unionize

1. verb

   recruit for a union or organize into a union
   “We don't allow people to come into our plant and try to unionize the workers”

   synonyms: unionise

   type of:

   enrol, enroll, enter, inscribe, recruit

   register formally as a participant or member
2. verb

   form or join a union
   “The auto workers decided to unionize”

   synonyms: organise, organize, unionise

   type of:

   fall in, get together, join

   become part of; become a member of a group or organization