Collective Bargaining

Collective bargaining is a term used to describe the process by which employers and groups of employees negotiate terms for work. These often include:

• Wages
• Hours
• Working conditions
• Grievance procedures
• Other employment issues

Typically, union representatives will meet with company representatives to discuss and negotiate a new labor contract.

Collective Bargaining and Labor Law

The National Labor Relations Act of 1935 governs most of the collective bargaining today. It prevents employers from discriminating against employees because of any union affiliation. It also does not allow employers to try and stop any union meetings, or refuse to engage in collective bargaining with union representatives.

The labor contracts that the two sides agree to are typically called collective bargaining agreements. It encapsulates all of the terms that are agreed to, and also includes the expectations of behavior for the trade unions and companies themselves.

Many of the most interesting examples of collective bargaining agreements involve professional sports, because the athletes have a players union and there are such huge amounts of money involved. They do not always negotiate well, as there have been lockouts and strikes in major sports, like basketball and baseball, in recent years.

Contact an Austin Employment Lawyer

Labor laws and employment issues can be complex and they require a dedicated team of legal professionals to handle them. The experienced Austin employment attorneys of Melton & Kumler, LLP are available at 512-330-0017.