Introduction

The Basics

Operating the Union

Contract Administration

Organizing

Building Trades and
Other Organizations

Labor Law

Politics and Government

Useful Information

Education

References

Home

Negotiations

Why would any company tolerate a union? In addition to ensuring fairness and equitable treatment, sometimes there are advantages to offering workers greater wages and benefits. Corporations concerned about long-term profitability want to maintain a stable labor supply and minimize turnover. The basic theory of this is simple; if unions provide a voice to workers, the number of dissatisfied workers who “exit” is reduced. Another valuable function of an organized workforce is the contribution of worker knowledge in the production process. That is, if management is willing to listen.

Collective bargaining is a vital part of the union mission.
The formal definition of collective bargaining (Word document)

	The process is directly tied to the basic mission of organized labor.
	A joint activity of workers and employers to determine the terms and conditions of employment.
	A series of negotiated steps to develop and administer a formal agreement to govern these terms and conditions.
	Begins with contract negotiations and continues with the interpretation and application of the contract through contract administration, including the filing of grievances and arbitration decisions interpreting and applying the contract.
	The collective bargaining system itself is distinct from individual contract negotiations. It is the set of policies and laws that support and regulate worker and employer relationships.