Collective Bargaining

Working for Change: A Guide for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists in Schools

Collective bargaining is a process where employees, through their unions or education associations, negotiate with their employer to establish the terms and conditions of employment. This process aims to reach a collective agreement that benefits both parties. The collective bargaining agreement—along with its implementation and other district policies—plays a crucial role in decision making at both the building or site level and the district or central office level.

Key aspects of collective bargaining:

Negotiation: A process in which representatives of the employees (usually union leaders or employee bargaining agents) and the employer meet to discuss and reach consensus about or for various aspects of employment such as wages, working hours, benefits, workplace safety, and other conditions.
Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): The outcome of one or several negotiations (see previous term)—this legally binding contract outlines the agreed-upon terms and conditions of employment.
Representation: A process in which employees are represented by their union or education association, which advocates on their behalf to ensure that key decision makers and leaders within the union/association address their interests and concerns.
Mutual Benefit: An end goal of the collective bargaining process. This is the result of reaching an agreement that is acceptable to both the employees and the employer, promoting a fair and productive work environment.
Workplace Democracy: The practice, within collective bargaining, of providing employees with a voice in the decision-making process, allowing them to influence policies and practices that affect their work lives.
Conflict Resolution: A mechanism used in the collective bargaining process to resolve disputes and disagreements between employees and employers in a structured, constructive manner.

Engaging with a collective bargaining unit can help you advocate for your interests—if you understand how to navigate the system. Once you have a clear understanding it will enhance your ability to leverage the power of collective bargaining to address and resolve workplace issues.

Collective bargaining offers several benefits for audiologists and SLPs:

Improved working conditions: Collective bargaining can lead to better working conditions—such as manageable caseload sizes, adequate workspace, and appropriate resources.

Fair compensation: Collective bargaining helps ensure fair wages and benefits—including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid leave.

Job security: Collective bargaining agreements often include provisions that protect the employee against arbitrary dismissal and that ensure due process.

Voice in decision making: Collective bargaining ensures that employees have a platform that they can use to voice their concerns and participate in decisions that affect their work environment.

Professional development: Collective bargaining agreements can include opportunities for professional growth—such as funding for continuing education and training programs.

Equity and fairness: Collective bargaining promotes equity and fairness in the workplace by addressing issues like discrimination and ensuring equal treatment for all employees.

Support and advocacy: Unions or education associations provide support and advocacy for employees, helping them navigate workplace issues and conflicts.

Work–life balance: Negotiated agreements can include provisions that support a healthy work–life balance—such as flexible working hours and reasonable workloads.

By engaging in collective bargaining, audiologists and SLPs can work together with other school employees to achieve the above-mentioned benefits. This can lead to a more supportive and effective work environment.

What To Do If You Live in a State Without Collective Bargaining

School-based audiologists and speech-language pathologists may encounter district policies or state laws that limit their ability to engage in union activities or benefit from union representation.

This article in NEA Today explains how teachers in states without collective bargaining have advocated for higher salaries, safer workspaces, and more job security. An interactive map shows bargaining laws for K–12 public school teachers and educational support professionals. For more information see: