Collective bargaining refers to the process of negotiating contracts with an employer through a chosen bargaining agent to determine the worker’s pay, hours, benefits, time off, safety restrictions, work-life balance, etc. It’s used as a way for workers to resolve workplace issues.
Understanding the collective bargaining process in Florida can help employees more effectively resolve issues and concerns.
Generally, employees use a labor union as a representation for collective bargaining. The goal of this process is to settle on an agreement or contract (often called a collective agreement) that presents and settles employees’ grievances. Additionally, collective bargaining typically takes place when workers’ contacts are being changed or are up for renewal.
The chosen bargaining agent in collective bargaining is generally a labor union leader. This individual is elected by employees to represent their interests.
Common contract issues that may be addressed during collective bargaining include:
There are three categories of issues that may be addressed through collective bargaining: voluntary subjects, mandatory subjects, and illegal subjects. Voluntary subjects are factors that are negotiable and aren’t required by law (i.e. problems relating to the union, board member decisions, etc.). Mandatory subjects are required by law (i.e. wages, overtime, safe working conditions, etc.). Illegal subjects involve employment law violations , like discrimination in the workplace.
Though the steps of collective bargaining may vary, they often include:
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