UNION AUTHORIZATION CARDS

Collecting signatures on union authorization cards is the first step a union must take to organize a group of employees. The Union needs these cards signed – because, by getting signed cards by at least 30% of employees in the bargaining unit they seek to represent, the union can file a petition with the NLRB for a union representation election.

Quick facts on Authorization Cards:

  • An authorization card is a legal document that the union can turn into the government to show that employees are seeking union representation

  • The card authorizes the union to speak and act for you on all matters relating to pay, schedules and other conditions of employment.

  • Union authorization cards may come in many forms, such as an index card or a request for your “electronic signature” through text messages, website links or QR codes. Be careful what you “click to accept” or authorize online.

  • If you signed a union authorization card, you may still vote “YES” or “NO”!

Sometimes, unions are not up-front with employees and may use deceptive tactics to get employees to sign authorization cards.  For example, they may not tell you what signing the card means.

Whether you do or don’t sign a card, you can still vote - and you can vote YES or NO to the union.

You do not have to sign a card to be able to vote in the NLRB election. If you do not sign, you can vote, and you can vote YES or NO to the union.

If you did sign a card, regardless of whether you knew what you were signing, you can vote in the election, and you can vote YES or NO to the union.