The word "labourist" is spelled with a "u" in the middle, rather than the American English "laborist". This is because "labour" is spelled with a "u" in British English, which is where the term originated. In IPA phonetic transcription, "labourist" is pronounced /ˈleɪbərɪst/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "ou" diphthong is pronounced like "ay" in "say", and the final "t" is pronounced clearly. The word refers to a member or supporter of the Labour Party in British politics.
Labourist refers to an individual who subscribes to or supports the principles, policies, and ideology of the Labour Party, a political organization or movement that advances the interests of the working class and actively promotes social and economic justice. A labourist is typically associated with advocating for the rights and welfare of workers and advocating for policies that encourage greater equality, fairness, and job security.
The term labourist specifically identifies a person who aligns themselves with the Labour Party's core values and agenda, which may include positions such as workers' rights, collective bargaining, progressive taxation, accessible healthcare and education, social welfare programs, and a fair distribution of wealth. Labourists often champion the importance of organized labor and trade unions in protecting workers' interests and ensuring fair compensation and safe working conditions.
In addition to their support for policies that benefit the working class, labourists are generally aligned with leftist or social democratic ideologies. They may emphasize the social responsibilities of the government, advocate for progressive social policies, and prioritize the reduction of income inequality. The term labourist distinguishes someone from members of other political parties or those who hold opposing views on matters related to workers' rights and social justice.
The term "labourist" is derived from the word "labour", which originates from the Old French word "labourer", meaning "to work". It can be traced back further to the Latin word "labor", with a similar meaning. The addition of the suffix "-ist" creates a noun form, indicating someone who supports or is affiliated with the Labour Party or subscribes to labor-related ideologies. The term was primarily popularized in the United Kingdom, referring to individuals associated with the British Labour Party, which was founded in 1900 as a political party representing the interests of the working class and the trade unions.