How does the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) ensure that employees will not be coerced in their choice of a bargaining representative or in choosing not to be represented by a union?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Under NLRB procedures, a petition for a representation election is initially filed with the regional director 1. by the union, when it can demonstrate that it has the support of more than 30 percent of the employees it seeks to represent (known as "majority support"); 2. by the employer, when two or more unions are claiming to be the exclusive representative of the employees or when one union claims to have majority support; or 3 . by the employees themselves. The union demonstrates its support by submitting authorization cards. Each card is signed by an employee and states that the employee gives the union the authority to act as the employee's exclusive bargaining representative.
Once the petition is filed, the regional director conducts an investigation to determine whether the employer is under the jurisdiction of the NLRB, whether the group of employees the union is seeking to represent is covered by the NLRA, whether the group of employees seeking representation is an appropriate bargaining unit, and whether there is sufficient support (30 percent) for the union. If these findings are affirmative, the director will see whether all parties will consent to an election. If not, the regional office holds a hearing to receive evidence on whether an election should be held and, if so, which employees are entitled to vote. The transcript of the hearing is given to the regional director, who decides whether a question of representation exists and an election should be held. An affirmative decision results in an election by secret ballot, conducted by a representative of the regional office.
After the election, the losing party may file objections to the outcome of the election with the regional director, who either orders a new election or certifies the results. The decision may be appealed to the board.