BARGAINING RIGHTS Meaning and
Definition
-
Bargaining rights refer to the legal or contractual entitlement of individuals or groups of employees to engage in collective bargaining with their employer or employers. Collective bargaining is a process in which representatives of the employees and the employer negotiate the terms and conditions of employment, such as wages, benefits, working hours, and other workplace policies.
These bargaining rights typically stem from labor laws or collective bargaining agreements that have been established to ensure fair and balanced negotiations between employers and employees. They aim to protect the interests of workers by providing them with a voice and power to negotiate for better working conditions and benefits as a collective unit, rather than as individuals.
Bargaining rights are commonly associated with trade unions or labor organizations that legally represent the interests of workers. These rights may encompass the ability to form or join a union, the right to elect representatives, the right to engage in collective bargaining, and the right to strike if negotiations break down.
In many countries, bargaining rights are considered fundamental labor rights and are enshrined in legislation or protected by international labor standards. The purpose of bargaining rights is to promote equity, improve working conditions, and ensure a fair distribution of resources between employers and employees.
Etymology of BARGAINING RIGHTS
The word "bargaining" originated from the Old English word "bargen", which means "to negotiate" or "to make a deal". It is derived from the Old Norse word "bargain", meaning "to buy and sell". The term "rights" comes from the Old English word "riht", which means "just, good, or equitable". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "rehtaz", which carries a similar meaning. Therefore, the term "bargaining rights" refers to the right to negotiate or engage in a process of making deals or agreements, typically within the context of labor unions and collective bargaining.
