The major steps of collective bargaining are:

☛ Preparatory - In this stage the negotiation team is formed which comprises of the members of both the teams. Both the sides need to take a stock of their situation to find the matters which they need to take up discussion, their stand on it.

☛ Discussion - In this stage the ground rules governing the negotiation process are set with the agreement of both the parties.

☛ Proposal - The issue for which the meeting is called is defined and the possible solutions are put forth.

☛ Bargaining - This is the phase where actual bargaining takes place and its nitty gritties are decided.

☛ Settlement - After a consensus is reached, this stage consists of effective joint implementation of the agreement.