The union and ECC have recently signed a collective agreement that will see ECC provide at least 10 days notice regarding start and finish times and working locations for Block/ASM meetings and buffer days. When ECC is unable to meet these deadlines they will inform the union without delay. What’s a collective agreement? It’s any agreement which comes about as a result of collective bargaining between a Trade Union and an employer concerning conditions of work or other matters, put into writing and signed by both parties (Article 14). It doesn’t need to have a title such as ‘Collective Agreement’, or any title at all. It comes into effect immediately after signing. Over 90% of all unions in Japan have collective agreements with employers.