Here's how you can come together with your co-workers to make work a better place for everyone:

Showing Interest

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requires by law a minimum of 30% of the employees to sign Representation Cards before it will conduct and election.

Election Petition Filed

Local 152 presents the cards to the NLRB with a request to conduct an election. The employer never sees the Representation Cards.

Election Date Set

The Union, a Company Representative and the NLRB discuss an election date. There are some cases where a hearing may be necessary. This only happens when the Union or Company cannot come to an agreement on the Bargaining Unit. (This rarely happens).

NLRB Election

You decide by secret ballot vote if you want Local 152 to represent you for the purpose of Collective Bargaining. A "YES" vote gives you the chance to proceed.

Preparations for Negotiations

After you win your union election, you and your union representative meet to decide on what specific benefits, wages, working conditions and union language you would like in your first contract. Also, you will elect a negotiating committee.

Negotiations

The negotiating committee, which consists of our fellow co-workers, Local 152 Representative and the Company begin negotiations. (It is federal government law that the company bargain in good faith.)

Ratification

You will meet to discuss and vote (by secret ballot) on what the negotiating committee and the collective bargaining representative have negotiatied. If accepted, wages and benefits begin.

Join the Union

Finally, only after a contract is signed and you are receiving better wages and benefits, will you become a member of Local 152.

Union Dues & Initiation Fees

You pay no dues until you accept the union contract by a majority vote and start receiving the benefits. You will pay no initiation fee: the only workers who will pay an initiation fee are the ones hired after the signing of your union contract.

Democracy

As you can see from steps 1-9, the Union is a democracy where you are a vital part of every process in obtaining your right to unionize.

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