Describe the process by which workers can elect to be represented by a union.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

To have a vote on whether to establish a union, union organizers attempt to obtain signatures of employees from the identified bargaining unit on consent cards indicating their interest in having an election on whether to establish a union. If at least 30 percent of the employees in a bargaining unit sign consent cards indicating that they are interested in joining or forming a union, the NLRB can be petitioned to investigate and to set an election date. In most of these situations, elections are contested by the employer. The NLRB is required to supervise all contested elections. A simple majority vote of employees (more than 50 percent) wins the election, and if this occurs, the union is certified. If 50 percent or fewer employees vote for the union, the union is not certified. If a majority of employees (more than 50 percent) sign the consent cards indicating their desire to form and join a union, the employer may agree not to contest the result and can recognize the union without a vote. In this case, the union is certified. If management still wants an election to be held, a consent election may be held without NLRB supervision. To certify the union, more than 50 percent of the employees must vote for establishing a union.