CBA

USA

collective bargaining agreement, Also known as a CBA or collective agreement.

The labor contract between a union representing employees and the employer (management). It memorializes the agreement reached after negotiations regarding the terms and conditions of employment, such as:

•Wages.

•Working hours and conditions.

•Employee benefits.

•Grievance and arbitration procedures.

•Strikes.

•The union's rights and responsibilities.

•Management's rights and responsibilities.

Collective bargaining agreements remain effective for a specified period of time stated in the agreement, for example, three years. Unlike regular contracts, the parties' obligations do not end on the expiration of a collective bargaining agreement. The union representatives and management must bargain in good faith for a successor collective bargaining agreement or for the termination of the agreement, during which time the terms of the expired contract continue.

The National Labor Relations Act governs collective bargaining agreements and the negotiation process, including subjects of bargaining that are either mandatory or permissive. Claims of alleged violations of the CBA are filed with the National Labor Relations Board, which has exclusive jurisdiction.

For more information, see Practice Note: Labor Law: Overview (www.practicallaw.com/6-500-9554).