Introduction to Activity

The following pages will present you with common words and phrases that can appear in some union contracts. You will be asked to select the best possible definition of each word or phrase. This is an exploratory activity—if you are not sure which answer is correct, take your best guess! The answers are based upon the results of thousands of arbitration cases. These word/phrase definitions should be considered when enforcing the provisions of the contract.

However, specific words do not always mean the same thing to everyone. Past practice and the context in which they appear may affect their interpretation. When arbitrators are called upon to interpret contract language, they rely on prior arbitral decisions, court decisions, industry practices and whether or not the appropriate meaning is reasonable.