If a trade union has been certified and no collective agreement is in force, the trade union may give the employer written notice of its desire to bargain or the employer (or employer's organization) may give written notice to the trade union of its desire to bargain.

According to the Industrial Relations Act, where a collective agreement is already in force, either party may within the period of the 90th and 30th day before expiration of the agreement, give notice in writing to the other of its desire to bargain for the renewal or revision of the collective agreement.

Once notice is given, both sides must meet as soon as possible, but no later than 20 days after the notice was given (unless extended upon mutual agreement of the parties), to commence bargaining and must make every reasonable effort to reach an agreement.