What does antilabor mean?
Antilabor is an adjective describing opposition to the interests of organized labor — that is, to trade unions and to workers' collective efforts such as striking, collective bargaining, and unionization. It is most commonly encountered in political journalism and commentary, where a policy, law, employer, or public figure may be characterized as antilabor for resisting union demands, supporting so-called right-to-work measures, or siding systematically with management in labor disputes. The word carries a strongly evaluative charge: it is usually applied by critics, particularly labor supporters, rather than claimed proudly by those it describes, which gives it an accusatory tone in much of its use. Its natural opposite is pro-labor or pro-union. The term derives from two ancient roots: the Greek-derived prefix 'anti-' meaning against, and the Latin 'labor', the same root behind words like collaborate and elaborate. While chiefly American in currency, the concept it expresses — hostility toward organized workers — is recognized wherever labor movements exist.
adjectiveOpposed to the interests of organized labor or trade unions; hostile to workers' collective action such as strikes and unionization.
- Opposed to organized labor, trade unions, or workers' collective interests
- (Rarely) a person or group holding such opposition
"The senator's antilabor voting record cost him the endorsement of every major union in the state."
"Critics condemned the new right-to-work law as blatantly antilabor."
"The newspaper editorial accused the governor of an antilabor agenda after he vetoed the collective bargaining bill."
In American political rhetoric, an 'antilabor' label has been a career-defining accusation for politicians since the New Deal era.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of antilabor
The word combines the prefix 'anti-', borrowed from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against' or 'opposite', with 'labor', from the Latin 'labor' meaning toil or work. It emerged in English as a political label, becoming especially prominent in American discourse during the twentieth century as union activity and anti-union politics intensified. It shares the Latin root 'labor' with cognates such as collaborate, elaborate, and belabor.
How antilabor is actually used
Primarily used in political and journalistic contexts, especially American; often carries a critical or accusatory connotation when applied by labor supporters. In British usage the equivalent term is typically 'anti-trade union' or 'anti-labour'.
Easily confused with antilabor
'Anti-labor' is simply the hyphenated form of the same word, while 'antibody' or similar 'anti-' words differ entirely in meaning.