walking delegate


noun

(formerly) an official appointed by a trade union to go from place to place to investigate working conditions, to ascertain whether union contracts were being fulfilled, and, sometimes, to negotiate contracts between employers and the union.

Origin of walking delegate

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

British Dictionary definitions for walking delegate

walking delegate

noun

(in the US) an agent appointed by a trade union to visit branches, check whether agreements are observed, and negotiate with employers
(in New Zealand) a trade union official who visits dispersed working areas on a wharf