HR Glossary

Collective Bargaining Agreement

What is a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a written agreement between an employer and a labor union, or between labor unions, that governs the terms and conditions of employment for unionized workers. CBAs typically cover topics such as wages, benefits, hours, working conditions, and grievance procedures. They are typically negotiated and signed by the representatives of the employer and the union(s).

Who negotiates a Collective Bargaining Agreement?

The answer to this question depends on the context in which it is asked. In some cases, the employer and the union representing the employees will negotiate a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). In other cases, the government may be responsible for negotiating a CBA.

What is a union?

A union is an organization of workers who have joined together to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions. Unions are typically represented by labor unions, which are organizations that represent the interests of workers. Labor unions work to improve the wages and working conditions of their members, as well as to improve the overall economy.

What is a strike?

A strike is a concerted stoppage of work by employees in order to put pressure on their employer. Strikes can be called by a union, as a form of collective bargaining, or by employees themselves. Strikes can be illegal, as in the case of an illegal strike, or legal, as in the case of a legal strike. In the United States, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) can order an employer to return to work, and can seek to have employees who engage in an illegal strike fined and/or arrested.

What is a lock-out?

A lock-out is a type of industrial action in which an employer, or a group of employers, locks out workers in order to pressure them into accepting better working conditions. A lock-out occurs when the employer, or employers, closes the place of employment or shuts off the workers’ access to the workplace, thus preventing them from working. Lock-outs are a form of collective bargaining, in which the workers use their collective power to try to force the employer to agree to their demands. Lock-outs are a last resort for the workers, after they have tried other methods of bargaining, such as striking.

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