Final answer:
Negotiating a union contract involves collective bargaining and may include striking. The National Labor Relations Board is instrumental in resolving disputes. The process differs internationally, with varied requirements for union formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
A process for negotiating a union contract and for administrating the contract after it has been negotiated involves several steps, including collective bargaining and possibly striking. The process is heavily regulated under labor laws and involves the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) when disputes arise. In the United States, the formation of a labor union starts with the announcement of intent to form a union, followed by a secret ballot election among the firm's employees. Post-establishment, the union engages in collective bargaining, where negotiations concerning wages, working conditions, and other employment terms take place. In case of disagreements that cannot be resolved internally, the NLRB may step in to provide protection and resolution. The procedures for forming a union differ substantially from country to country with some requiring a simple majority in a secret ballot, while others, like Canada, may require a significant proportion of workers to sign an official card indicating their preference to unionize. Once established, the union acts on behalf of its members to negotiate collectively with the employer, potentially leveraging the strategy of striking to enforce their bargaining position.