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Q&A
Q: “Ultimately the state dictates Medicaid rates, which in turn dictates insurance payments at some percentage of Medicaid, correct? If we unionize, does the union then negotiate with the state to increase payments? If the state does not increase Medicaid rates, then our union payments would be another payment to a group other than the physicians, correct? How does this solve the problem of low salaries that don’t keep pace with inflation?”
A: If the union were to prevail, it would not negotiate with the state regarding Medicaid rates. The only right the union would be winning would be to negotiate with an employer on behalf of the entire bargaining unit, which could include members from the schools of medicine, dance, education, engineering, theater, etc.
It is also correct that unions would be another group that members of the bargaining unit would be expected to make payments too. UF-UAW states they collect 1.44% of pay from members. Additionally, in California, which does not have a Right-to-Work law, unions can negotiate a Union Security clause that requires members to pay dues as a condition of employment.
Finally, unions can make a lot of promises but cannot guarantee anything. Following collective bargaining, members of the bargaining unit can end up with more, less or the same as they have now.
FAQs
Union Authorization Cards
A union card or petition is a legal document that can give a union the sole and exclusive right to speak and act on behalf of team members in all matters regarding wages, benefits, working conditions and other terms of employment.
No. Signing a card does not guarantee that you will get anything more or that issues will be resolved. If the union becomes your excusive representative, the only right the union has is to represent team members and try to negotiate a contract with USC. USC does not have to agree to union demands and there is no requirement that a labor contract agreement be reached.
The union can do several things with a signed authorization card/petition.
- The union may use this card to send you mail, text you or call or visit you at your home.
- If the union gets 30% of team members in a targeted group to sign cards, it could request that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conduct an election in which team members vote to determine whether or not they want to be unionized.
- If the union gets 50%+1 of team members in a targeted group to sign cards, it can demand recognition from the employer or request the NLRB conduct an election in which team members vote to determine whether or not they want to be unionized. Following a demand for recognition, an employer has three options:
- The employer can file for an election with the NLRB.
- The employer can request a card check, which is a process where a neutral third party would verify the union has the support via signed authorization cards it says it has. If the union is found the have enough signed cards, it would be recognized without an NLRB election.
- The employer can accept the demand for recognition, and the union would immediately begin representing the team members in the proposed bargaining unit without an NLRB election.
No. But signing a card may have significant consequences. If the union is able to gather enough support to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to trigger an election, every eligible team member in the petitioned-for group will have the right to participate in the vote. Or, if the union gathers enough signatures to demand recognition, it’s possible a union could be accepted without you having the chance to vote.
Union organizers and team members who support them, can be persistent You have the right not to sign a union card—the choice is yours
No. You should not be expected to sign a legally binding document or any other union materials just to get information. You have the right to say, “No thanks.” You can get more information about the union from reading other sources, talking with your faculty leader, or Human Resources.
Generally, a signed union authorization card is valid for 12-months, but there is not a hard rule around this timeframe. It’s also important to remember a union is under no obligation to give a card back once it’s been signed.
If you previously signed a union authorization card, you can let the union know you would like it back. The best way to do so is through a written communication to the union. Make sure you keep a copy of your request, for your records. Here is what you could say:
I do not wish to be represented by United Faculty – United Auto Workers (UF-UAW). I hereby revoke any authorization card or other document I signed which might reflect otherwise. Please return the original of any documents UF-UAW has in its possession which were signed by me.
Keep in mind, it is up to the union to decide whether to return a signed card; there is no requirement or obligation to give it back.
Yes, whether you physically sign a paper union authorization card or complete information online and click a button to submit, your signature can be legally binding. If the union has enough signed authorization cards, it will use them to file a petition for election with the National Labor Relations Board or demand recognition from an employer.
It doesn’t work that way. If you are included in the bargaining unit and the union is voted in, the union will become your exclusive bargaining representative – whether or not you voted – and regardless of how you voted. The union would also be the exclusive bargaining representative for future USC non-tenured faculty whose programs or departments are in the bargaining unit, even though they did not have a chance to vote.
About Unionization
Understanding how unions work and specifics about United Faculty-United Auto Workers (UF-UAW) is an important part of making the decision about whether or not unionization is right for you.
Click the fact sheets below enlarge and download.
Ask Us
If you have questions about unionization, submit them here! All submissions are anonymous, but if you wish to receive a direct reply, please include your contact information.