The U.S. Government has begun a shutdown until Congress can come to an agreement on funding. As a result, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has ceased operations until further notice. The temporary closure of the NLRB may impact the date and time of the issuance of the Decision and Direction of Election (“DDE”) and subsequent election scheduling. At this time, an election date cannot be set until the shutdown ends and the NLRB reopens. When we have more information, we will be sure to share it through the appropriate communications channels. Please reach out to your leaders with any questions.
The Secret Ballot
The National Labor Relations Board (“NLRB”) will conduct the vote to decide union representation at Clinica.
The election outcome will be determined by a majority of those who vote. NOT VOTING DOES NOTHING. Not voting does not mean a NO or a YES vote to the union; it means that your voice is not heard. A simple majority of those who actually vote determines the election result. Voting is quick, easy and secret.
Union Voting FAQs
Does my vote matter?
The election is decided by a simple majority of employees who actually vote, so a single vote can change the outcome. For example, say there are 100 staff eligible to vote for unionization, but only 5 staff show up to vote. If just 3 of those 5 votes are “Yes,” then union representation (and dues) applies to all 100 staff.
Now that a petition has been filed, what happens next in the legal process?
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has a standard legal process that both parties must follow. This process provides an opportunity for CFHW to give its position on who should be eligible to vote and be part of the union’s “bargaining unit” if the union is selected. CFHW and the Union have not been able to agree on who will vote and how the election will take place, so there will be a formal hearing before a representative of the NLRB to determine the “who, what, when” of voting.
After the hearing, a decision will be issued that will likely include the direction of an election. This document will decide who is eligible to vote and when the election will occur. Regardless of the outcome, practically speaking, the next steps for you will be to learn as much as you can about the implications of the vote and then to cast a ballot.
What if I don’t want a union?
The vote will take place in person. On voting day, you will be able to report to a central location (likely on site at Clinica) in a room monitored by the NLRB. You will be given a ballot by the NLRB Board agent- your name will NOT appear on the ballot. You will then vote in a booth, checking off “yes” or “no”, and seal the ballot in an envelope. Then you will leave the booth and place the sealed envelope in the ballot box.
Do I have to vote?
No, but if you don’t, you are letting someone else decide this important question for you.
Is my vote truly anonymous?
Yes. No one will know how you vote unless you tell them yourself. No one in the voting room is allowed by law to influence your vote.