What happens to employees in a unionized workplace who are excluded from the collective agreement?

In a unionized workplace, employees who are not included in the collective agreement typically rely on their individual contracts of employment for their rights and benefits. This distinction is crucial because the collective agreement negotiated by the union sets the terms and conditions of employment for its members, such as wages, working conditions, and grievance procedures. Employees excluded from this agreement do not benefit from these negotiated terms, which means their entitlements are governed by the specific stipulations laid out in their personal employment contracts.

It’s important to recognize that being outside the collective bargaining unit means these employees are not represented by the union for the purposes of workplace negotiations and grievances, which could lead to differences in treatment compared to union members. In contrast to other options, the correct choice highlights the individual nature of the employment relationship for excluded employees, emphasizing that their rights are not automatically enhanced by the union's efforts unless specified in their personal contracts.