Collective Bargaining

Cited: Question #1 Association, C. F. (2007-2010). The California State University. Retrieved July 2010, from Collective Bargainng Agreement: http://www.calstate.edu/laborrel/contracts_html/cfa_contract/cfatoc.shtml Solis, H. L. (2010). Collective Bargaining Agreements. Retrieved July 2010, from United States Department of Labor: http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/labor-relations/collbargaining.htm What is Collective Bargaining? (2010). Retrieved July 2010, from www.wisegeek.com: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-collective-bargaining.htm Collective bargaining is the process between employers and employees to reach an agreement regarding the rights and duties of people at work. It is a tool used to come to a collective agrement which concentrates on different things such as employees working hours, their pay their rights, rules and details of how to participate in company affairs. Employees are represented in bargaining by a union or other labor organization. Collective bargaining is governed by federal and state statutory laws, administrative agency regulations, and judicial decisions. Collective bargaining is a great tool and it aims to please. The agreement tries to make both or all parties happy. After all the details are figured out the document is signed and stays in effect for a set period of time. “As the contract is being negotiated, general employees also have input on it, through their union officers. Thus, the agreement reflects the combined desires of all the employees, along with limitations that the employer wishes to see put in place. The result is a powerful document which usually reflects cooperative effort.” (What is Collective Bargaining?, 2010) (http://www.dol.gov/dol/topic/labor-relations/collbargaining.htm) The key to this agreement is that the details are a joint effort, meaning that both parties are happy with the outcome. There are many different opinions about wheather or not to sign a collective bargaining agreement with an employer. Many are hesitant due to not knowing enough about the subject to make an informed decision. This article gives a great idea of what collective bargaining is all about: (http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-collective-bargaining.htm ) Having this document develops an understanding relationship with employer and employee, it gives both parties a good idea of what to expect from eachother. A website I found gives an actual example of a Collective Bargianinging agreement: (http://www.calstate.edu/laborrel/contracts_html/cfa_contract/cfatoc.shtml )THe agreements I have seen have been much smaller but this is a great example of how a large company would handle this type of agreement. Collective bargaining develops a sense of self respect and responsibility among the employees, it increases the strength of the workforce, thereby, increasing their bargaining capacity as a group. It restricts management’s freedom for arbitrary action against the employees. Moreover, unilateral actions by the employer are also discouraged. Most importantly collective bargaining increases the morale and productivity of employees.