How do labor unions bargain with employers?

Labor unions in Washington bargain with employers by negotiating collective bargaining agreements (CBAs). A CBA is an agreement between the union and the employer that sets the terms and conditions of employment, including wages, benefits, work hours and more. In order to come to an agreement, unions and employers come to the bargaining table. Negotiations involve the union and the employer exchanging proposals for the CBA and working together to come to an agreement. During collective bargaining, the union tries to win the best benefits for its members, while the employer tries to minimize the costs of wages and benefits. Unions may use tactics such as strikes or picketing to pressure the employer into accepting their proposals. The employer is not allowed to retaliate against employees who participate in these activities. Once an agreement is reached, the CBA is written down and signed by both the union and the employer. The CBA is legally binding and must be followed by both sides. Violations of the CBA are investigated by the National Labor Relations Board. The CBA will stay in effect until it is renegotiated or expires. Unions and employers may come back to the bargaining table at any time to renegotiate the CBA.

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