Lesson 1 Review

A brief review of this lesson is provided below, followed on the next few pages by some questions to check your understanding of the material.

The PEF Contract, like all labor union contracts, is a legally enforceable document that is the result of the efforts of the union representing a group of employees and management. Also known as a Collective Bargaining Agreement, a contract is the foundation by which the parties build upon their past success to achieve the results that meet their needs.

Most contracts are divided into three general areas: Benefits, Rights, and Enforcement.

Contracts rely on language that tries to capture the intent of the parties. Contract language under dispute can be the subject of a grievance and ultimately could become the subject of arbitration. In our contract the decision of the arbitrator is final and binding upon the parties. Arbitrators have a great deal of discretion when they are forming their decisions. Overturning an arbitrator's decision is not something that is done easily and can only be achieved when very strict conditions are met.