Definition

Noun: A formal, written contract negotiated between a labor union (representing employees) and an employer or employer association. This agreement governs the terms and conditions of employment for the unionized workers it covers, typically including wages, benefits, working hours, job duties, grievance procedures, and other workplace rules.

Usage

A "collective agreement" is the result of collective bargaining. It is a binding document that outlines the rights and responsibilities of both the employer and the unionized employees for a fixed period.

Examples

• The new collective agreement includes a significant increase in healthcare benefits for all workers.
• Negotiations for a renewed collective agreement between the teachers' union and the school board are ongoing.
• According to the collective agreement, overtime pay is calculated at time-and-a-half.
• The dispute arose from a disagreement over the interpretation of the collective agreement.

Advanced Usage

• To be covered by a collective agreement: To be one of the employees whose terms of employment are defined by the agreement.
  • All factory workers are covered by the same collective agreement.
• To negotiate/ratify a collective agreement: To bargain for or formally approve the contract.
  • The union members voted to ratify the proposed collective agreement.
• To be in violation of the collective agreement: To act in a way that breaks the terms of the contract.
  • The company was found to be in violation of the collective agreement for changing schedules without notice.

Variants and Related Words

• Collective bargaining (n): The process of negotiation between unions and employers to reach a collective agreement.
• Union contract (n): A common synonym for "collective agreement."
• Labor agreement (n): Another synonym, emphasizing the labor-management context.
• Bargaining unit (n): The specific group of employees represented by a union in negotiations for a collective agreement.

Synonyms

• Union contract
• Labor contract
• Trade agreement (in a labor context)

Related Phrases

• Expiration of a collective agreement: When the fixed term of the contract ends.
  • The collective agreement is set to expire at the end of the month.
• To be bound by a collective agreement: To be legally obligated to follow the contract's terms.
  • Both management and staff are bound by the collective agreement.

Noun

1. contract between labor and management governing wages and benefits and working conditions