What does the term “collective bargaining” describe?

The term "collective bargaining" refers specifically to the process whereby employers and a group of employees, typically represented by a union, engage in negotiation to establish the terms and conditions of employment. This includes important elements such as wages, working hours, benefits, workplace safety, and other related employment conditions. The goal of collective bargaining is to reach a mutually beneficial agreement that reflects the interests of both parties involved—employers and the workforce they represent.

This process is crucial in labor relations, as it formally acknowledges the collective power of employees to negotiate their rights and conditions within the workplace, thereby promoting fairness and equity. The agreement reached during collective bargaining is typically documented in a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which serves as the legal framework governing the employment relationship for the duration of the contract.

The other options describe different aspects of labor relations or employee-employer interaction but do not capture the essence of collective bargaining itself. For instance, resolving disputes between individual employees and management pertains to conflict resolution processes rather than collective negotiation. Similarly, methods for employees to voice grievances without union representation and the establishment of company guidelines regarding employee conduct are concepts that are distinct from the collaborative and formal negotiation process inherent in collective bargaining.