closed shop

noun

1

: an establishment in which the employer by agreement hires only union members in good standing

2

: an exclusive group or establishment

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Legal Definition

closed shop

noun

: a business in which the employer by agreement hires and retains only union members see also Labor Management Relations Act compare open shop, union shop

Note: Closed shops are illegal under the Labor Management Relations Act.