A collective agreement goes a long way in protecting workers from unfair treatment. It gives us a say in the workplace, allows us to improve our working conditions and provides us with a fair way to address and resolve problems in the workplace. A collective agreement is a written legal contract that covers employees who are grouped in a bargaining unit. The agreement is concluded through collective bargaining between the union and the employer. Collective agreements usually include wages and benefits. They also include job descriptions and classifications, as well as a dispute resolution procedure (usually a complaint and arbitration procedure). All CUPW contracts guarantee specific wage demands, benefits and working conditions. They offer clear rules that apply to everyone. These rules prevent managers from being arbitrary or discriminatory. .