Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
A legally binding contract negotiated between a union and an employer that governs wages, hours, and conditions of employment.
Full definition
A Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the central document of a union-represented workplace. It is negotiated between the union (on behalf of the bargaining unit) and the employer, and once ratified by the membership and signed by both parties, it is legally enforceable under the National Labor Relations Act. A typical CBA contains articles covering recognition, union security, management rights, wages, hours, overtime, seniority, layoff and recall, grievance procedure, discipline and discharge (just cause), holidays, vacation, health insurance, pensions, and a no-strike / no-lockout clause. The CBA is the single source of truth for what the employer can and cannot do.
Related terms
Grievance
A formal complaint that the employer has violated a provision of the CBA, past practice, or applicable law.
Bargaining Unit
The group of employees a union represents for purposes of collective bargaining, as determined by the NLRB or state board.
Management Rights Clause
A CBA provision reserving to the employer all authority not specifically restricted by the contract.
Zipper Clause
A CBA provision stating that the contract is the complete agreement and that neither party can demand mid-term bargaining.
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