work that is an essential part of a production process or the provision of a service
Compare indirect labour
2. British
workers who are part of an employer's own labour force rather than hired through a contractor, such as building workers employed by a local authority
Examples of 'direct labour' in a sentence
direct labour
The new bid is being drawn up jointly by four trade unions and will be submitted by the council's direct labour organisation workforce.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Unfortunately, this influential establishment was closed after five years in 1996 when the organisation's direct labour force was privatised.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Tough employment conditions built into contracts - including direct labour, local labour and stringent health and safety regulations - are also forcing up prices.