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

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

"There will be no final decision until a collective agreement has been reached with worker representatives and approved by the French authorities," Ubisoft said.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 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

This concept of collective agreement has underpinned industrial relations in Sweden for nearly a century.

From BBC • Oct. 26, 2025

And closely connected with this function of controlling the arms trade is another great necessity of Africa under "tutelage," and that is the necessity of a common collective agreement not to demoralize the native population.

From In the Fourth Year Anticipations of a World Peace by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)