Bargaining is the process where workers (through their union) and their employer negotiate over the terms of employment. The terms of employment are contained in the collective agreement which governs the workplace and must be followed by workers and the employer. The collective agreement stipulates things such as wages, working conditions, scheduling, sick days and benefits.
The length of the collective agreement is also negotiated between the workers and the employer. When a collective agreement is nearing expiry, then the two sides prepare to negotiate its renewal. This is an opportunity for workers to make improvements to their working conditions based on their experience with the previous collective agreement. Both sides come to the bargaining table with proposed changes to the collective agreement and negotiate over the differences until they reach a deal.
When the employer agrees to the deal and the workers democratically vote in favour of it, then the collective agreement is renewed for the agreed upon length.
Unlike the FOAG, a collective agreement is a legal document that both parties have to follow. This prevents your employer from making unilateral changes to your working conditions. While you may have elected cabin crew on the FOAG, at the end of the day your employer still has 100% of the decision-making power and they can override the committee’s suggestions. By forming your union, you can have a say in your working conditions and ensure that your voices are heard.
Ready to get one step closer to bargaining? Sign your union card today