collective agreement

American  

noun

1. the contract, written or oral, made between an employer or employers and a union on behalf of all the employees represented by the union.

2. the schedule of wages, rules, and working conditions agreed upon.

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collective agreement British  

noun

1. a negotiated agreement, which is not enforceable at law, between an employer and employees' representatives, covering rates of pay or terms and conditions of employment, or both

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Etymology

Origin of collective agreement

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

The union has accused the carmaker of poor working conditions, withholding sick pay and covert redundancies, all enabled by the lack of a collective agreement to protect workers.

From Barron's • Mar. 5, 2026

IG Metall has accused the carmaker of poor working conditions and covert redundancies, all enabled by the lack of a collective agreement to protect workers -- almost unheard‑of in Germany's automotive industry.

From Barron's • Mar. 2, 2026

The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen agreed to a five-year collective agreement providing increased wages and more flexible hours, the Calgary, Alberta, rail company said Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2025

Whately asked the minister whether there was "collective agreement" on the plans, with Kendall responding that the shadow secretary would have to "show a little patience".

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2025

In this field a beginning had been made in 1886 when the coal operators and the union entered into a collective agreement.

From A History of Trade Unionism in the United States by Perlman, Selig