What is a union security agreement?

A union security agreement is a specific type of contract between a labor union and an employer that outlines the conditions under which employees must either join the union or pay union dues as a condition of their employment. This arrangement helps ensure that the union has a stable membership base and the financial resources needed to effectively represent the interests of its workers.

By requiring employees to contribute to the union, the agreement fosters a collective bargaining environment, where the union can negotiate better wages, benefits, and working conditions on behalf of all employees, whether or not they choose to formally join the union. This structure is crucial for maintaining strong labor relations and ensuring that the bargaining power remains effective.

The other options do not accurately define a union security agreement. For instance, allowing employees to negotiate individually contradicts the collective bargaining concept, and something which requires unions to represent all workers does not represent an agreement of security but rather a duty of fair representation. Additionally, forbidding strikes does not directly connect to the idea of union security, as it pertains more to labor actions rather than membership requirements. Therefore, the definition provided in the correct answer captures the essence of a union security agreement accurately.