It is important to understand the unionization process under the NLRA. Management must be trained on the do's and don'ts during the unionization process.
- Union asks employees to sign authorization cards
- If 30% or more of the employees sign cards, the union petitions the NLRB to hold an election
- Election is secret ballot
- Union must get 50% +1 of those actually voting to win
- Sometimes union will ask for voluntary recognition
- While the election is pending, “laboratory conditions” are in effect, restricting changes to pay, benefits, or work rules
- The Company also has RESTRICTIONS on what they may say to employees regarding the union and the election, so make sure managers are trained on DO's and DON'Ts