What is the main purpose of collective bargaining?

The main purpose of collective bargaining is to negotiate contracts between unions and employers. This process is fundamental in the labor relations framework, where employee unions, representing the collective interests of workers, engage with employers to establish agreements on various aspects of employment. These agreements typically cover wages, work hours, benefits, workplace safety, and other employment conditions.

Negotiating contracts helps ensure that the interests and needs of employees are addressed collectively rather than through individual negotiations, which can be less effective for workers, particularly in non-unionized settings. Collective bargaining is also an essential mechanism for promoting dialogue and resolving disputes between labor and management, ensuring that employees have a voice in the terms and conditions of their employment.

While setting forth financial compensation and establishing individual employment terms might be elements of the content of the contracts negotiated, they are not the overarching purpose of collective bargaining. Additionally, developing ethical guidelines for professional behavior falls outside the primary focus of collective bargaining, which is centered on negotiating labor agreements rather than setting ethical standards.