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    Labor Management Relations Glossary

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    Open Period

    The 45-day period (105 - 60 days prior to expiration of agreement) when the union holding exclusive recognition is subject to challenge by a rival union or by unit employees who no longer want to be represented by the union. The open period is an exception to the contract bar (external link) rule.

    Reopener Clause

    Provisions in the CBA specifying the conditions under which one or either party can reopen for renegotiation the agreement or designated parts of the agreement. Although some agreements provide for mutual consent reopeners, such reopeners are unnecessary as the parties can of course agree to reopen and renegotiate their agreement at any time, notwithstanding the contents of the agreement. The purpose of a reopener is to enable one party to compel the other party to renegotiate the provisions covered by the reopener.

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