Factsheet no. 4 - Labour Relations and Collective Bargaining

The application of collective agreements

Ideally, workers and managers will ensure that collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) are applied. Managers will make sure that workers are paid the agreed rates and that working conditions are as specified in the latest agreement. Trade union officers will communicate with workers, explaining what has been agreed and discussing how to approach the implementation of any changes. Managers and trade union representatives together will monitor the application of the agreement and work together within agreed procedures to resolve any problems that arise with putting it into practice. In many circumstances, however, the application of agreements is not so straightforward.