Collective agreement

File:Online Listings of Private and Public Sector Agreements

Online Listings of Private and Public Sector Agreements

Collective agreement

A collective agreement is a written contract negotiated through collective bargaining for employees by one or more trade unions with the management of a company (or with an employers' association) that regulates the terms and conditions of employees at work. This includes regulating the wages, working hours, working conditions, grievance procedures, and the rights and responsibilities of the trade union.

History

The concept of collective agreements emerged in the 19th century as a response to the Industrial Revolution and the rise of the labor movement. The first collective agreements were established in Europe and North America as workers sought to improve their working conditions and secure fair wages.

Legal Framework

The legal framework for collective agreements varies by country. In many jurisdictions, collective agreements are legally binding and enforceable in a court of law. In some countries, such as the United States, the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) governs collective bargaining and collective agreements. In the United Kingdom, collective agreements are not legally binding unless incorporated into individual employment contracts.

Process of Collective Bargaining

The process of collective bargaining involves negotiation between the trade union and the employer. The stages typically include:

• Preparation: Both parties prepare their demands and objectives.
• Negotiation: The parties meet to discuss and negotiate the terms.
• Agreement: Once an agreement is reached, it is drafted into a written document.
• Ratification: The agreement is ratified by the union members and the employer.
• Implementation: The terms of the agreement are put into effect.

Types of Collective Agreements

There are several types of collective agreements, including:

• Single-employer agreements: Negotiated between one employer and one or more unions.
• Multi-employer agreements: Negotiated between multiple employers and one or more unions.
• Industry-wide agreements: Covering all employees in a particular industry.

Benefits of Collective Agreements

Collective agreements provide several benefits, including:

• Improved working conditions and wages for employees.
• A structured process for resolving disputes and grievances.
• Enhanced communication and cooperation between employees and management.
• Stability and predictability in labor relations.

Challenges

Despite their benefits, collective agreements can also present challenges, such as:

• Potential for labor disputes and strikes if negotiations break down.
• Complexity in negotiating and administering the agreements.
• Potential for conflicts between union members and non-union employees.

Related Pages

• Collective bargaining
• Trade union
• Labor law
• Industrial relations
• National Labor Relations Act
• Employment contract

See Also

• Labor movement
• Industrial Revolution
• Grievance procedure
• Wages
• Working conditions