Your Signature Holds Value
Q.
What is a union authorization card?
A.
A union authorization card is a paper card, digital form, or petition that unions use to collect signatures to prove they have the support of the proposed bargaining unit (the group of employees) they want to organize. No matter what form it comes in, an authorization card can be legally binding and give the union the authority to be your exclusive representative for things such as pay, benefits, and working conditions.
Q.
Is signing a card the same as voting?
A.
No. But if the union is able to gather enough signed cards, it can file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board for an election.
If an election were to occur, every potential bargaining unit would be encouraged to vote – it doesn’t matter if they signed a card or not. And they are free to vote however they want, even if they signed a card.
Basic Guide to the National Labor Relations Act: Collective Bargaining and Representation of Employees
Q.
Does signing a union card guarantee me better wages, benefits, or working conditions, like better staffing?
A.
No. Signing a card does not guarantee better wages, benefits, or working conditions. Signing a card means you agree to allow the union to be your exclusive representative.
Q.
Why is my signature so important to the union? What does the union do with signed authorization cards?
A.
Signed authorization cards are how a union proves it has support to represent the bargaining unit, which is why they are so important. The union can do several things with a signed authorization card:
First, it can use your information to send you mail, texts, call you, or even visit you at home.
Second, it can use the cards to take the following actions:
- If the union gets signatures from 30% of individuals in a targeted bargaining unit, a union can file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to conduct an election where bargaining unit members would vote about whether they want to unionize.
- If the union gets signatures from 50% + 1 of the individuals in a targeted bargaining unit, a union can either file a petition with the NLRB to conduct an election (same as with the 30%) or submit a demand for recognition from the employer. Depending on how the employer responds, a demand from the union could result in an election, a card check process, or an acceptance of the demand.
NLRB.gov: Your Right to Form a Union
Q.
What are my rights if I don’t want to sign a union card/petition?
A.
You have the right to sign or not to sign a union card—the choice is yours.
National Labor Relations Act: Section 7 – Rights of Employees
Q.
If I filled out a union authorization card online and digitally clicked or signed, is that still legally binding?
A.
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.
Q.
Do I have to sign something to attend a union meeting or get more information?
A.
No, you do not have to sign anything to attend a meeting or get more information. If someone suggests otherwise, you might want to ask them why and if what you are signing is legally binding.
You can get also more information about unions from reading other sources and talking with your faculty leaders.
Q.
I already signed a union authorization card. Can I get it back?
A.
If you signed a union authorization card and want it back, you can ask for it from the union. The best way to do so is through written communication to the union. Make sure you keep a copy of your request, for your records.
Keep in mind, it is up to the union to decide whether to return a signed card or revoke your electronic signature.
Q.
How long is a signed union authorization card valid?
A.
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.