Collective bargaining involves discussions and negotiations between two groups as to the terms and conditions of employment. It is called ‘collective’ because both the employer and the employee act as a group rather than as individuals. It is known as ‘bargaining’ because the method of reaching an agreement involves proposals and counter proposals, offers and counter offers and other negotiations.
Thus collective bargaining:
- is a collective process in which representatives of both the management and employees participate.
- is a continuous process which aims at establishing stable relationships between the parties involved.
- not only involves the bargaining agreement, but also involves the implementation of such an agreement.