Common terms

Below is a list of common terms used during collective bargaining

  • Bargaining unit - A specific group of employees determined by the labour relations board to be represented by a union.  
  • Collective bargaining - The process by which management and union representatives negotiate the terms and conditions of employment for a bargaining unit for a designated period of time. The parties have a mutual obligation to bargain in good faith in an effort to reach agreement. 
  • Collective agreement - The formal, written contract negotiated between the employer and the union. 
  • Notice to bargain - To begin the negotiation process, the union or the employer must notify the other party in writing of their desire to commence negotiations for a first collective agreement or the renewal of an existing collective agreement.   
  • Conciliation - A process by which a conciliation officer is appointed by the Minister of Labour to meet with the union and the employer in an effort to resolve outstanding collective bargaining issues. During those meetings, the conciliation officer tries to help the union and the employer resolve any outstanding issues so they can reach a collective agreement. 
  • Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) - A supplemental, signed document used to add or clarify specific issues during the life of the contract. 
  • Mediation - A process where an impartial third-party steps in to help both sides reach a voluntary compromise. 
  • Good faith - A legal requirement for both parties to meet, share information and make genuine efforts to reach an agreement. 
  • Arbitration - A private, dispute resolution process where the employer and union agree to have one or more impartial third parties (arbitrators) review and render a binding decision on an unresolved grievance.
  • Contractual faculty - Academic staff members appointed to positions with a defined term of no more than three (3) years.  
  • Tenured faculty – Academic staff members who have successfully completed the tenure process and have been granted a continuing academic appointment.