Union authorization card

Definition

A union authorization card is a document that workers sign to show their support for a labor union and to authorize the union to act on their behalf in collective bargaining. This card is crucial in the union organizing process, as it helps gauge interest in forming a union and is often used to initiate representation elections. A sufficient number of signed cards can lead to formal recognition of the union by the employer or trigger an election overseen by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Union authorization cards are typically the first step in the unionization process, allowing workers to express their desire for union representation.
2. In many cases, if at least 30% of employees sign the authorization cards, it can trigger a representation election conducted by the NLRB.
3. The cards must be signed voluntarily by employees, and they cannot be coerced or pressured into signing them.
4. Once enough cards are collected, the union can petition the NLRB for an election or seek voluntary recognition from the employer.
5. The signed cards are legally binding and can serve as evidence of employee interest in union representation during any disputes about union formation.

Review Questions

• How do union authorization cards influence the process of organizing a labor union among employees?
  • Union authorization cards are essential in demonstrating employee support for unionization. When a significant number of employees sign these cards, it indicates a collective desire to form a union. This support can lead to either direct recognition from the employer or prompt the NLRB to conduct a representation election, where workers can vote on whether they want the union to represent them in negotiations.
• What role does the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) play after union authorization cards have been collected from employees?
  • After collecting a sufficient number of union authorization cards, the union may present these to the NLRB to request a representation election. The NLRB is responsible for overseeing this election process and ensuring fair practices. If successful, this election allows employees to formally decide whether they want to be represented by the union in collective bargaining negotiations.
• Evaluate the implications of coercion during the signing of union authorization cards on the legitimacy of a labor union's formation.
  • If employees are coerced into signing union authorization cards, it undermines the legitimacy of the union's formation and violates labor laws. Coercion can lead to disputes about the authenticity of employee support and may result in legal challenges against the union's efforts to gain recognition. Ensuring that signatures are gathered voluntarily is critical for maintaining a fair and democratic process, which is essential for establishing a genuine representative body for workers.

Related terms

collective bargaining: The process through which employers and labor unions negotiate the terms of employment, including wages, hours, and working conditions.

representation election: A vote conducted to determine whether a majority of employees want to be represented by a union for collective bargaining purposes.

National Labor Relations Board (NLRB):

An independent federal agency that oversees labor relations, including conducting elections for union representation and investigating unfair labor practices.