What is the purpose of a collective agreement?

A collective agreement serves the primary purpose of regulating employment terms and conditions between an employer and a group of employees, typically represented by a union. This agreement encompasses various aspects such as wages, working hours, benefits, job security, and other critical workplace conditions. By establishing these terms, the collective agreement aims to create a fair and consistent framework that governs the relationship between the employer and the employees, ensuring that both parties understand their rights and obligations.

In contrast to other options, which may touch upon specific aspects of workplace relations or practices, a collective agreement comprehensively addresses the overall employment landscape. For example, while outlining employee rights is important, a collective agreement also encompasses the responsibilities of the employer, making it broader in scope. Establishing management operations or promoting non-discriminatory practices can be part of a collective agreement, but these elements are not its primary purpose. The central aim remains to define and regulate the entire spectrum of employment terms and conditions.