In other words, collective bargaining is the process by which a union tries to get an employer to formally agree and accept workers` job applications. Collective bargaining may include wages, working conditions, trade union rights, maternity leave and paternity leave. These are mainly negotiations. But mediation, arbitration, strike and lockout actions can be part of the process. Convening a caucus is a tactic that allows you to stop negotiations at any time so you can think, get more information, or manage your emotions. Remember that union negotiators enter into negotiations on behalf of workers. This means that it is their mandate that counts, not yours. The bargaining team must communicate to the workers the outcome of the negotiations. The team should keep staff informed of the procedures and also make assessments and recommendations. But the negotiators cannot submit a new mandate to the bosses without first discussing with the workers. Sometimes workers give negotiators a falla-back position that they accept if they cannot win their first demand. If negotiators agree on a new position at the bargaining table, they must convene a caucus and consult with workers. The rule of thumb here is that you don`t accept anything that isn`t approved by the people you represent.