Collective bargaining
/kəˈlɛktɪv ˈbɑːrɡənɪŋ/
nounB2
Definition
Collective bargaining means workers, usually through a group called a union, talk with their employer to decide on important job rules. They try to agree on things like salaries, work hours, safety, and other work conditions. This helps protect workers’ rights and improve their work life.
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⚡ See It in Action
The process of negotiation between workers (usually unions) and employers
- •The union used collective bargaining to get higher wages for its members.
- •Collective bargaining helps workers improve their safety at the workplace.
- •During collective bargaining, both sides try to reach a fair agreement.
The agreements or contracts made after negotiation
- •The new contract from collective bargaining includes better health benefits.
- •Collective bargaining agreements often last for several years.
- •Both workers and employers must follow the rules in the collective bargaining contract.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "collective bargaining" like "talking" (A1 word), but it is a formal and group talk between workers and bosses to decide work rules.
- ✓Picture a group of workers sitting at a table with their employer, discussing and making agreements together.
- ✓It’s the feeling of teamwork when many people speak up together to get better conditions at work.
- ✓Sounds like "collect-IVE bar-GAIN-ing" → imagine a team collecting ideas to bargain (make deals) for better work.
- ✓Think of a sports team negotiating with their coach about practice times and rules—everyone’s voice is important.
- ✓NOT like "complaining" (just saying problems)—collective bargaining is a serious, organized talk to find solutions.
- ✓NOT like "individual negotiation" where one person talks alone—this is a group effort.
- ✓NOT like "strike" (stopping work)—collective bargaining happens before or instead of striking.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Negotiation: a talk to reach an agreement (Use when the discussion is between any two parties, not necessarily workers and employers)
- •Contract talks: discussions to make a work agreement (Use when focusing on making or renewing a work contract)
- •Union talks: discussions led by a worker group (Use when the group involved is a labor union)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "collective" (done by a group) + "bargaining" (discussing to make a deal)
- •Etymology: "collective" comes from Latin "collectivus," meaning gathered together; "bargain" is from Old French "bargaigner," meaning to negotiate
- •Historical development: The term grew with labor movements in the 19th and 20th centuries when workers organized to improve conditions
- •Modern usage: Used today to describe formal talks between worker groups (unions) and employers to set work rules and pay
💭 Reflect & Connect
•How might collective bargaining change if workers do not have a strong group or union?
•Can collective bargaining happen in all types of jobs, or only in certain workplaces? Why?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Collective bargaining happens when workers ___ together to discuss their work conditions with the employer.
2.The goal of collective bargaining is to reach ___ that both workers and employers agree on.
3.Unlike just one person talking, collective bargaining involves a ___ group representing many workers.
4.If workers and employers cannot agree during collective bargaining, they might consider a ___.
5.Collective bargaining often includes talks about ___ and working hours.
6.A successful collective bargaining process usually ends with a ___ that lasts for a set time.
7.Workers feel stronger during collective bargaining because they speak with ___ voice.