One trade unionist cutting rations (6)

I believe the answer is:

united

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'one' is the definition.
('united' can be a synonym of 'one')

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for united that I've seen before include "Mark -, Russian-born US abstract painter" , "in league" , "Agreed" , "Manchester City's local rivals" , "Joined into a single entity" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

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