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.
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.
The labour union demanded a wage increase.
Abbreviation of 労働組合. Common in news and casual conversation.
Union officials held a press conference.
Loanword from English. Often used in names of specific unions or in a more casual, modern context.
That company doesn't have a union.
In Japan, most unions are organized at the company level rather than by industry or trade. This term specifies that type.
Refers to a union organized within a single company, the dominant form in Japan.
Most Japanese labour unions are enterprise-based unions.
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).
A craft or trade union, organizing workers by occupation.
A craft union is made up of workers with specific skills.
Zenroren sometimes takes a more radical stance.
Collective bargaining between the union and management.
Collective bargaining is scheduled for next week.
The union went on strike.