Originally Posted by
TonyC
In an agency shop, every person in the class or craft must be a member of the union, OR pay an agency fee, a fee to cover the costs of collective bargaining.
Whether the employer is a closed shop, an agency shop, or an open shop, the union (the Bargaining Agent) has an obligation to fairly represent each and every person in the class or craft (whether paying dues, paying an agency fee, or paying nothing) - the Duty of Fair Representation.
Agency shop describes ALPA on my property. ALPA bargains (exclusive rights) for the craft/class and you're either a member, OR a non-member. Members pay membership dues. Non-members pay a "contract maintenance" fee (agency fee) that cover the costs of bargaining. I'm pretty sure we're saying the same thing here.
DFR is one thing, extending membership benefits is another.