Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) | Practical Law

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) | Practical Law

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Practical Law Canada Glossary w-002-2869 (Approx. 2 pages)

Glossary

Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Also known as a collective agreement, a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) is the labour contract between a union representing employees and the employer (management). A CBA sets 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 are effective for a specified duration 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. Provided that a majority of the bargaining unit employees continues to support the union, union representatives and management must bargain in good faith for a successor collective bargaining agreement, during which time the terms of the expired contract generally continue.
For more information on collective bargaining, see Practice Note, Employment Law in Canada: Overview.