An AWPPW Contract is an agreement between the employer and the employees (us). It sets the wages that will be paid for each job. It lists the holidays and the terms of vacations. It guarantees such things as insurance and pensions. It sets up a system of seniority and provides an orderly plan for settlement of complaints or grievances.

The contract also provides for such things as sick leave, jury duty, funeral leave, military service, hours of work, overtime, safety regulations, conditions of employment and benefits we shall receive. AWPPW contracts are alike in principle but they vary from location to location to suit both local conditions and the desires of the employees.