A union is an organized group of workers who come together to collectively negotiate with their employer to improve wages, working conditions, and other employment terms. Its primary purpose is to ensure that workers have a voice in decisions affecting their jobs and to advocate for their rights and interests.

A collective bargaining agreement (CBA), also known as a union contract, is a legally binding agreement between an employer and a union that governs the terms and conditions of employment for workers covered by the agreement. It outlines the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of both parties, as well as the terms of employment, such as wages, benefits, and working conditions.

A bargaining unit is a group of employees covered by a CBA. This group typically shares a common employer or job characteristics. For public employees in Washington State, the language defining the boundaries of a bargaining unit are listed in a CBA as decision numbers from the Public Employee Relations Commission (PERC).

Contract bargaining is the process of negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) between a union and an employer. It involves preparation, negotiation sessions, and a vote from union members. Contract bargaining occurs prior to the expiration of the current CBA, which is typically 1-2 years. The goal of repeated cycles of contract bargaining is to update the terms and conditions of employment for workers covered by the CBA.

Union dues are regular payments made by union members to support the operations and activities of the union. They are typically calculated as a percentage of the member's gross base wages. Union dues are the sole funding source for the union's activities, including representation, negotiation, advocacy, and member services.

A staff representative is an employee outside of the bargaining unit, hired and paid for by the union, who serves as the main point of contact between the union and employees within the bargaining unit. They represent bargaining unit employees, provide guidance and support to union stewards, and advocate for members' rights and interests.

A steward is a representative within the bargaining unit. They represent members in grievances, disputes, and other workplace matters, and provide support and assistance to union members on contract-related issues.

A chief shop steward, sometimes called a steward leader, is an optional role that some bargaining units decide to use. The chief shop steward is a steward within the bargaining unit who is responsible for the daily coordination of other stewards within the bargaining unit. They supervise and support union stewards in their day-to-day activities, serve as a liaison between stewards and the staff representative, and lead meetings of the Labor and Management Communication Committee (LMCC).

A member leader is an employee within the bargaining unit who is responsible for providing assistance and guidance to union members on contract-related issues. They assist with organizing and mobilizing members for collective action, handle administrative tasks such as scheduling meetings and managing online communication channels, and support the overall functions of the union.

The grievance process is a formal procedure outlined in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) that allows unionized employees to address and resolve workplace disputes or violations of their rights under the contract. The purpose of the grievance process is to provide a mechanism for resolving conflicts and ensuring that employees receive fair treatment and due process in the workplace.

Collective action refers to coordinated efforts by union members to collectively advocate for their interests, address workplace issues, and pursue common goals. It encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at exerting collective power and influence, including petitions, demonstrations, sick-outs, strikes, and other forms of concerted action. Collective action is significant as it allows workers to exercise their rights, leverage their collective strength, and advance their interests in the workplace.