A bargaining agent is a union named by a government agency, such as the National Labor Relations Board, or recognized voluntarily by the employer, as the exclusive representative of all employees in the bargaining unit for purposes of collective bargaining.
The following is an example of a contract clause recognizing a bargaining agent:
"The employer recognizes the bargaining agent as the sole and exclusive representative of those employed in classifications within the bargaining unit for purposes of bargaining with the employer regarding terms and conditions of employment and representing the interests of those employees consistent with the terms of this agreement. Classifications and job titles mutually agreed to be within the bargaining unit are in the attached addendum designated by the appropriate university unit. The term employee as it is used in this agreement shall mean a bargaining unit employee."
