ABA Family Legal Guide

Law and the Workplace

On the Job

Unions in the Workplace

What is a collective bargaining agreement?

A collective bargaining agreement is the contract that the employer and the union negotiate. When a union wins a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election, the law requires the employer to sit down and bargain in good faith with the union about the terms of a contract. This contract will cover the wages, hours, and other terms and conditions of employment for the employees in the bargaining unit. While this contract is in effect (usually a term of three years) the employer, the union, and the employees must comply with its terms. Generally, an employer cannot make any changes in working conditions unless the union agrees to those changes.