An agency shop is a form of union security agreement where the employer may hire union or non-union workers, and employees need not join the union in order to remain employed.  However, the non-union worker must pay a fee to cover collective bargaining costs. The fee paid by non-union members under the agency shop is known as the "agency fee".

Payroll deductions may be made for membership dues to employee organizations in accordance with applicable law and county rules.

Certified employee organizations or certified employee representative means an employee organization, or its duly authorized representative that has been certified by the Employee Relations Commission as representing the majority of the employees in an appropriate employee representation unit.

Following notice and hearing, the Commission shall adopt rules and regulations governing the certification and decertification of employee organizations.  Only employee organizations that have been certified as majority representatives of appropriate employee representation units shall be entitled to negotiate on wages, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.