Collective Bargaining Agreement

A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is a written legal contract between an employer and a union representing the employees. It outlines the terms and conditions of employment, including wages, hours, benefits, working conditions, and other aspects of the employer-employee relationship. The CBA is negotiated through the process of collective bargaining, where both parties discuss and agree on various employment terms.

Examples of elements included in a CBA may consist of:

  • Wage scales
  • Health and safety regulations
  • Grievance procedures
  • Job security provisions
  • Work hours and overtime policies

Cases where CBAs are commonly used include:

  • The United Auto Workers (UAW) negotiating contracts with automotive manufacturers such as Ford or General Motors.
  • The American Federation of Teachers (AFT) negotiating agreements with school districts for teachers’ salaries and working conditions.