What is the difference between a collective bargaining agreement and a contract?
A collective bargaining agreement and a contract are both legally binding documents that set out the terms between two parties, but there is a key difference. A collective bargaining agreement is an agreement between a union and an employer that outlines the terms of employment such as wages, working hours, holiday pay, and other benefits. It also covers issues such as working conditions and discipline. On the other hand, a contract is an agreement between two parties, typically an employer and an employee, which outlines roles and obligations of each party. In the state of Washington, a collective bargaining agreement must be in writing and must be approved by a majority of the members of the union before it is signed by both parties. The agreement is then filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department. On the other hand, a contract typically does not require any formal filing or approval process. It is simply a written agreement between two parties outlining their respective rights and responsibilities. Overall, the main difference between a collective bargaining agreement and a contract is that the former outlines the terms of employment between a union and an employer while the latter outlines the terms between two parties. In Washington, collective bargaining agreements must be in writing and approved by the union members before being filed with the Washington State Employment Security Department, while contracts require no formal filing or approval process.
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