mandatory labor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mandatory labor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where work or tasks are required by law or regulation, often in discussions about employment, legal obligations, or social policies. Example: "The new policy includes provisions for mandatory labor during community service hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Foust, she argued, was a lightweight with no record of accomplishment who "goes so far as to attack me personally and say that I've never had a real job or I don't know anything about real jobs". In contrast, she pointed to her own work in Richmond to bring more data centers to the area, encourage teleworking and eliminate mandatory labor agreements on state-funded projects.

The Washington Post

Considering high rent, escalating food cost and increasing mandatory labor costs in addition to royalties and advertising fees; the five dollar footlong sliced into those profits.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

MANDATORY agricultural labor may not seem like a conventionally sexy subject, but then Zoé Valdés is hardly a conventional writer.

The New York Times - Books

For low-wage workers whose ability to make ends meet is "integrally and indispensably" connected to what they earn for the time they spend doing what their employer requires of them, this mandatory unpaid labor can have real and costly consequences.

Huffington Post

Not long after Thanksgiving, as word spread of an effort to ban mandatory union contributions, labor leaders began holding meetings with Mr. Snyder, his aides and lawmakers.

The New York Times

These include a path-breaking comprehensive family leave law and the nation's first bill giving farm workers the right to mandatory mediation in agricultural labor disputes.

The New York Times

It also would amend a federal law, known as the Wolf Act, to strengthen management's hand in mandatory binding arbitration of labor contracts.

The Washington Post

He handed down mandatory sentences of forced labor for life for the 37 defendants, but under Haitian law defendants tried in absentia who surrender or are arrested have a right to a new trial.

The New York Times

Democrats, who control the Legislature, have been cool toward any kind of mandatory work program, and organized labor has fought workfare out of fear that it would create a low-paid labor pool that would displace existing workers.

Los Angeles Times

So critical was the ability to deal with unions in the 1960s that Harvard Business School made a labor relations course mandatory for all students.

Harvard Business Review

Mandatory preparticipation examinations (PPE) are labor intensive, offer little routine health maintenance and are poor predictors of future injury or illness.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing labor policies or human rights issues, use "mandatory labor" to specifically refer to situations where work is legally or institutionally required. This term often implies a lack of choice or fair compensation.

Common error

Avoid using "mandatory labor" when describing situations where individuals choose to work, even if the choices are limited. Use "voluntary work" or "employment" to convey the appropriate context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mandatory labor" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It refers to work or service that is required by law, rule, or other form of obligation. Ludwig examples illustrate it is often discussed in legal, economic, and ethical contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "mandatory labor" is a noun phrase referring to work required by law or regulation. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and usable in English, although its use is relatively rare. It typically appears in neutral to formal contexts, specifically in news, academic, and legal discussions. While synonyms like "compulsory work" and "forced labor" exist, "mandatory labor" is unique in its implication of an institutional or legal requirement, sometimes sparking debate about ethics and human rights. When employing this term, ensure to differentiate it from voluntary employment or coerced servitude.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Compulsory work

This alternative focuses on the enforced nature of the labor.

Compelled labor

Similar to forced labor, highlighting external pressure.

Forced labor

Highlights the element of coercion and lack of consent in the work.

Coerced work

Underlines that the labor is obtained through threats or pressure.

Obligatory work

Emphasizes the duty or requirement to perform the labor.

Required service

Emphasizes the obligation to perform a task or duty.

Mandatory conscription

Specifically refers to compulsory military service or labor drafts.

Involuntary servitude

Focuses on the lack of free will and control over one's labor.

Indentured labor

Refers to a specific form of contracted, often exploitative, labor.

Bonded labor

Labor provided as security for a debt or obligation.

FAQs

What is the difference between "mandatory labor" and "forced labor"?

"Mandatory labor" generally refers to work required by law or regulation, while "forced labor" implies coercion, often involving threats or violence. The key difference lies in the degree of consent and the methods used to compel the work.

Are there any legal restrictions against "mandatory labor"?

Many countries have laws against "mandatory labor", particularly when it constitutes slavery or human trafficking. However, some forms of required service, such as jury duty or military conscription, may be legally permissible under specific conditions.

What are some synonyms for "mandatory labor"?

Synonyms for "mandatory labor" include "compulsory work", "required service", and, in more extreme cases, "forced labor".

How does "mandatory labor" relate to human rights?

"Mandatory labor" can be a violation of human rights when it involves coercion, unfair conditions, or exploitation. International human rights law prohibits slavery and forced labor, ensuring individuals' right to choose their employment freely.