What is a bargaining unit employee?

A bargaining unit employee is an employee who belongs to a labor union. The labor union represents the interests of a group of employees during negotiations or bargaining with the management of a company or organization.

A bargaining unit consists of employees with similar interest in regards to salary scales, work benefits and working conditions. When the bargaining unit is recognized by the company management or the majority of the members of the bargaining unit votes to unionize, the labor union takes over contract negations in the name of the bargaining unit employees. The leaders of the labor union bargain with the company to get the best deal for the employees.