What do we do?

If members are the heart of the union, then collective bargaining is the fire within the heart. Collective bargaining promotes fairness by leveling the playing field between workers and management. A strong contract is the best way to ensure workers share the fruits of their labor.

Each of HGEA's seven bargaining units has a collective bargaining team to negotiate a new contract with the employers. Led by the HGEA Executive Director, who is the chief negotiator, the union staff assists the negotiating teams in preparing and presenting the union's proposals and arguments. The staff is also responsible for gathering and evaluating information relating to the negotiations, as well as researching proposals submitted by members for consideration by the negotiating teams.

How can I participate?

There are several ways for HGEA bargaining unit employees to participate in the collective bargaining process. Before the next round of negotiations begin, we actively seek input from employees to develop new contract articles or revisions of existing ones.

Another avenue for participation is to become a member of one of the unit negotiating teams. The teams review the proposals and make the decision to accept, modify, or decline the contract proposals from fellow employees. Their most important responsibility occurs at the bargaining table where they meet with the employer representatives and have significant input into the final agreement reached between the parties. Broad participation in the collective bargaining process helps to make the union strong and effective.

For more information on how you can participate, please contact your local HGEA office.