Why a Contract?

"THE CONTRACT" IS THE  WORKER'S  "BILL OF RIGHTS."

The contract (or agreement) is the signed document between the employer and your local union which describes the terms and conditions of employment, such as the following:

WAGES:  Fair rates of pay for every employee and automatic wage increases.

HOURS: Length of workday, rest periods, holidays, etc.

CONDITIONS:  Job security, safety and health, personal rights and treatment.

BENEFITS: Company paid health insurance, hospitalization, pensions, retirement, etc.

 

Among its most important features is an orderly system for settling disputes between employees and the employer. This is called a "grievance procedure" and requires both sides to go through successively higher steps to find a satisfactory solution to an employee's problem.

Under a written contract, no one has to guess their rights or to seek individual favors from the boss.  All things are spelled out for everyone to see and understand.

The term "collective bargaining" or "negotiations" refers to the meetings between the company and your union committee which are for the purpose of talking over the requests of the members and/or the employer.  The process implies that both sides must "give and take" fairly until a "bargain" or "agreement" is reached:

 

The law requires the company to meet in good faith with the certified union and the committee of workers.