The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) establishes which subjects must be bargained over. Terms and conditions of employment, such as pay, benefits, vacation and leave are addressed in the contract.
Bargaining is required only over terms and conditions of employment that are covered by the NLRA as further informed by guidance provided by the Framework Agreement.
Yes. In the collective bargaining process, the union speaks and acts for all in the bargaining unit. The provisions in the labor contract negotiated by the union will apply to all unit members, unless the contract explicitly provides for exceptions.
Conference attendance, the venue for field work or outside research, and other such activities are within the academic realm reserved to the University.
A ratification vote, by the local membership, is required for a collective bargaining agreement. This typically happens shortly after a tentative agreement is reached between the bargaining representatives (union and employer).