Who is an elected bargaining representative?

An elected bargaining representative is specifically a union officer who has been chosen by the union's members to engage in negotiations on their behalf. This representative plays a crucial role in labor relations by representing the interests of the members during collective bargaining discussions with management. Their authority comes from democratic election processes within the union, ensuring that they are accountable to those they represent and that members' voices are included in the negotiation of contracts and workplace agreements.

This elected representative's understanding of the union’s goals, the specific needs of the members, and labor laws is essential for effective bargaining. They work to advocate for fair wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment-related issues. The presence of a representative who is directly chosen by the members fosters trust and engagement within the union, as opposed to options like an appointed position by management or roles such as mediators or legal representatives, which do not embody the democratic principles of union leadership.