Purpose
Collective Agreements are probably the most important documents in a unionized workplace. The CA is the
agreement between the union (representing the bargaining unit) and the employer and which the two sides
negotiated in good faith. It contains the rules and procedures that govern both workplace practices and the
relationship between the two parties. It is vital that an HR practitioner fully and clearly understand the CA
including how to interpret the intention and meaning of the terms and conditions. Many a grievance is
raised due to a misinterpretation of a clause in the collective agreement.
• Gain experience in reading and locating information in multiple and various collective agreements.