Translation guide
A labour union is an organization of workers formed to protect and advance their interests. In Japanese, the most common term is 労働組合 (ろうどうくみあい), often abbreviated to 労組 (ろうそ). This guide covers how to refer to unions in various contexts.
labour union
Most common term; often abbreviated to 労組 (ろうそ).
The standard, neutral way to refer to a labour union in most contexts.
The standard term for a labour union. Used in formal and informal contexts.
He is the chairman of the labour union.
Abbreviation of 労働組合. Common in news and casual conversation.
Loanword from English. Often used in names of specific unions or in a more casual, modern context.
In Japan, most unions are organized at the company level rather than by industry or trade. This term specifies that type.
A union that organizes workers across an entire industry or craft, rather than a single company.
A national-level organization that coordinates or represents multiple unions.
Common phrases and concepts associated with labour unions.
In Japan, most unions are 企業内組合 (enterprise-based unions) rather than industrial or craft unions. When discussing Japanese labour unions, it's often helpful to clarify this distinction.
労働組合 is the standard Japanese term and is appropriate in all contexts. ユニオン is a loanword that can sound more modern or casual, and is often used in the names of specific unions (e.g., サービス・ユニオン).
The labour union demanded a wage increase.
労組の幹部が会見を開いた。
Union officials held a press conference.
あの会社にはユニオンがない。
That company doesn't have a union.
Refers to a union organized within a single company, the dominant form in Japan.
Most Japanese labour unions are enterprise-based unions.
An industrial union, organizing workers by industry.
The industrial union is trying to improve working conditions across the industry.
A craft or trade union, organizing workers by occupation.
Rengo conducts wage negotiations every spring offensive.
Another national federation, often abbreviated as 全労連 (ぜんろうれん).
Zenroren sometimes takes a more radical stance.
The annual spring wage offensive, a major union activity in Japan.
This year's spring offensive resulted in a significant wage increase.
Collective bargaining between the union and management.
Collective bargaining is scheduled for next week.
Strike; often shortened to スト in casual speech.
The union went on strike.
A craft union is made up of workers with specific skills.