A more thorough explanation:

A section 8(f) agreement is a type of labor contract negotiated between an employer in the construction industry and a union that cannot prove it represents a majority of the employees at the time the contract is signed. This agreement is an exception to the general rule that an employer only needs to negotiate with a union that can demonstrate majority status.

The construction industry is unique in that employers may have multiple jobs in different parts of the country, jobs are typically completed in a short time, and the workforce is often transient. This makes it difficult for employees to petition for a certification election, so section 8(f) agreements provide a certain level of protection for workers.

However, section 8(f) agreements are not the same as collective bargaining agreements. Employers can legally repudiate the agreement at any time, and employees cannot legally picket to enforce the agreement. The main protection provided by a section 8(f) agreement is a monetary obligation that can be enforced in federal court. If the union achieves majority status, the section 8(f) agreement becomes a fully enforceable collective bargaining agreement.

An employer in the construction industry signs a section 8(f) agreement with a union that only represents 30% of the employees. The agreement includes a provision for a certain wage rate and benefits for the workers. If the employer violates this agreement, the union can take legal action to enforce the monetary obligation. However, if the union later gains majority status, the section 8(f) agreement becomes a fully enforceable collective bargaining agreement.