HOW MANY SIGNATURES DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ELECTION?

• The NLRB requires a minimum of 30% to file a request for an election.  UFCW Local 227 normally requires 60% before we will file a petition, since it takes a majority to win.

WHO SEES THE CARDS AND SIGNATURES?

• Only UFCW Local 227 and the NLRB will see the cards

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

• The NLRB likes to schedule an election within 42-45 days after receiving the petition. The time it takes to file is up to you and your co-workers.

• An agent from the NLRB's office will conduct your secret ballot election. No one, including the Board agent, will ever know how you voted unless you tell them.

• A simple majority of the votes cast, that is 50% plus one, of the people that vote. For example, if 100 employees vote, 51 are needed to win. Anything less and you lose.

• All full time and regular part time bargaining unit employees that are not working in management will be eligible to vote. The NLRB has specific criteria to determine who is a "true" manager-supervisor and what makes up a bargaining unit.

• A union is an organization that represents employees and deals with management on all issues concerning wages, benefits and conditions of employment. This gives you, the employee, the power of many...not simply the power of one. The United Food and Commercial Workers, (UFCW), the largest private sector union, with over 1.3 million members.

• After UFCW Local 227 has a majority of signatures on authorization cards, there are three ways employees can become union.

1. UFCW Local 227 will request a secret ballot election by filing a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The NLRB is an agency of the United States Government. This is by far, the most common way to become unionized.

2. Your employer has the option of voluntarily recognizing the union. This is the least common method of organizing.

3. Finally, if your employer commits a large number of unfair labor practices, which make it impossible to have a fair election, the NLRB can issue "bargaining order" requiring your employer to recognize the union. This is very unlikely.

• It's a card that shows you want to be represented by a union, and authorizes UFCW Local 227 to represent you. It will also be used as proof to the NLRB, that a majority of employees wish to be represented for the purpose of collective bargaining.

• No. You are simply showing UFCW Local 227 and the NLRB that you are interested in being represented by a union.

• No! Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act protects your rights to form, join, or assist in forming a union at your workplace. The law protects your rights and ensures that you will not be discriminated against for your union activity. You are allowed to discuss the union while you are on break or off the clock and the person on persons you are discussing the union with are on break or off the clock as well.

• Basically, it's the process of negotiating a contract after you have voted to form a union. You, the employees, submit proposals based on what is important to you! You choose a negotiating committee of your peers and with the union, bargain with management on all working conditions. This includes wages, job descriptions, insurance and retirement benefits; etc. When your negotiating committee of peers has reached a tentative agreement, then all bargaining unit employees will vote to accept or reject the contract.

• Yes, once the contract has been voted on and accepted, this contract becomes a legal document and is protected by the Federal Government.

• A contract between your employer and you, the employee, would spell out the terms of your employment, what is expected from you, and what you can expect from them. Right now, your employer is under NO obligation to you. Job descriptions, wages, benefits, etc. can change at any moment with or without notice. Check your handbook! With a union contract, these benefits would be guaranteed in writing! This legally binding agreement provides for a fairer work place, and a more secure lifestyle for you and your family.

• No! Your contract will be designed by your and tailored to the specific needs of you and your co-workers.

• If, during the collective bargaining process, the Union Bargaining Committee and your employer do not reach an agreement, the employees have the option to accept the final offer, attempt to bargain more (usually with a Federal Mediator involved) or vote to strike. At least 66% (a two-thirds majority) of the employees voting must vote to strike before any further action is taken.

• UFCW Local 227 does not charge initiation fees for anyone going through an organizing campaign.

• You will not pay any fines or mandatory assessments in Local 227.

• You've got the basics. Still want to learn more? Call us with your questions or for any additional information. Your calls are strictly confidential.