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
collective agreement in American English
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
Word origin
[1935–40]This word is first recorded in the period 1935–40. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: aeroembolism, bingo, prime mover, roomette, walk-through
Examples of 'collective agreement' in a sentence
collective agreement
The collective agreement is quite clear as to the layoff protocol.
Globe and Mail (2003)
The complaint was resolved when a collective agreement was reached.
Globe and Mail (2003)
Players and owners have not yet begun negotiations on a new collective agreement.
Globe and Mail (2003)
They were employed under the terms contained in a national collective agreement.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Want to start negotiating now for a new collective agreement to replace the one that expires next summer.
Globe and Mail (2003)
With a new collective agreement?
Globe and Mail (2003)
Instead of negotiating cost certainty or a luxury tax into the next collective agreement, why not blow the whole thing up and start anew?
Globe and Mail (2003)
The quotas must be met or it will mean overtime-part of our collective agreement with the company.