This is the key union benefit. The union contract or "collective agreement" is where you find most union negotiated rights and benefits. From wages to overtime pay, coffee break rights to clothing allowances, a collective agreement is a catalogue of your union negotiated rights.

Having your rights and benefits in a "contractual" form is critical. It's in writing. It's guaranteed. The employer is bound for its term. And when it expires, you have all the power of a union to negotiate a new contract.