Labor & Union Glossary
Plain-English definitions of the labor terms every steward, organizer, and union member should know. Written by a 20-year labor practitioner — sourced from the NLRA, landmark Supreme Court cases, and decades of arbitration practice.
Weingarten Rights
The right of a union-represented employee to request a steward in any meeting that could reasonably lead to discipline.
Read definitionJust Cause
The contractual standard requiring management to have a legitimate, proportionate, and procedurally fair reason for discipline.
Read definitionCollective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
A legally binding contract negotiated between a union and an employer that governs wages, hours, and conditions of employment.
Read definitionGrievance
A formal complaint that the employer has violated a provision of the CBA, past practice, or applicable law.
Read definitionPast Practice
A consistent, long-standing workplace custom that becomes binding even if not written in the CBA.
Read definitionDuty of Fair Representation (DFR)
The union’s legal obligation to represent every member of the bargaining unit fairly, in good faith, and without arbitrary, discriminatory, or bad-faith conduct.
Read definitionArbitration
A final, binding hearing before a neutral third party that resolves grievances unresolved through the contractual steps.
Read definitionNational Labor Relations Board (NLRB)
The federal agency that enforces the National Labor Relations Act, conducts union elections, and investigates unfair labor practices.
Read definitionManagement Rights Clause
A CBA provision reserving to the employer all authority not specifically restricted by the contract.
Read definitionZipper Clause
A CBA provision stating that the contract is the complete agreement and that neither party can demand mid-term bargaining.
Read definitionBargaining Unit
The group of employees a union represents for purposes of collective bargaining, as determined by the NLRB or state board.
Read definitionUnfair Labor Practice (ULP)
Conduct by an employer or a union that violates Section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act.
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