blue-collar worker

A member of the working class, especially manual laborers. The phrase refers to the collar of a laborer's typical uniform, in contrast to the "white collar" shirts that typically accompany formal dress. I come from a family of blue-collar workers, so I will always champion the common man's concerns. Blue-collar workers have always been an important part of our economy. The CEO is a fool if he doesn't realize that the company would fall apart without its blue-collar workers!