Not absolutely necessary to join a union.
There are 2 types of agreements - Collective Agreement negotiated by employees or a Union Collective Agreement - negotiated by an union.
Employees (ie not under the umbrella of a union) can negotiate on their own behalf OR they can nominate a bargaining agent to negotiate on their behalf - notification must be made in writing to the employer of who the bargaining agent is.
Sounds terrifying I know, however it is all about employees being able to bargain for and negotiate their employment terms and conditions with the employer - there are basic provisions which must be met by all sides.
There is also an opportunity for individual employees to negotiate individual conditions suitable to that individual employee (like an addendum to a collective agreement) - provided that it doesn't lessen any of the basic rights that are protected under the legislation. It is then a Schedule which is attached to the agreement for that individual employee.
All agreements must pass the fairness test - if it fails the test it will be sent back for correction.
Last edited by The Voice; 1st May 2009 at 10:55.