(a) The agreement concluded between Fresh Farm Retailers (FFR) and Farmers Workers
Against Regression (FWAR) can be characterized as a union security agreement. It
establishes an arrangement whereby FFR requires all employees who are not members of
FWAR to pay a fee to the union, thereby creating a financial obligation for non-members.
In return, FWAR agrees to represent these employees and act on their behalf.
The agreement appears to be a "union shop" arrangement, specifically a "closed shop"
variant, wherein employees who are not already members of FWAR are compelled to pay
fees to the union as a condition of employment. This type of agreement is typically
negotiated between employers and unions to ensure that the union can effectively
represent all employees, regardless of their membership status.
The purpose of the agreement is to allow FWAR to collect fees from non-members and
utilize those funds to carry out its representational activities on behalf of all employees in
FFR, regardless of their union membership. By requiring non-members to pay fees, FWAR
aims to prevent "free-riding," where employees benefit from union representation without
actually joining the union.
It's worth noting that the legality and enforceability of union security agreements vary
across jurisdictions, as labor laws differ in different countries and regions. In some places,
union security agreements may be permitted and enforceable, while in others, they may be
restricted or prohibited. Therefore, the specific legal context would be relevant in
assessing the validity and applicability of the agreement.
(b) To register a bargaining council established by Farmers Workers Against Regression
(FWAR) and other unions in the farming sector, the following process would generally be
followed:
1. Drafting the constitution: The participating unions, including FWAR, would need to
collaborate on drafting a constitution that outlines the purpose, structure, and functioning
of the bargaining council. The constitution should include provisions related to dispute
resolution, collective bargaining, membership criteria, and other relevant matters.
2. Consultation and agreement: The draft constitution would be presented to the
respective unions for consultation and agreement. This process involves ensuring that all
participating unions are on board and have reached a consensus regarding the
establishment of the bargaining council and the terms outlined in the constitution.