Decertification

Politicians know they’ll have to run for re-election if they want to stay in office. It’s different with a union. Unlike with public elected officials, there would be no automatic elections in the future. Instead, unionized workers have to petition the federal government to get the union out. There are no term limits and no automatic elections to hold SEIU accountable.

It is a highly technical and legal process to remove a union once they are voted in. You can’t just “try out” a union. You can remove SEIU through a process called decertification, where employees must do the work of collecting signatures and petitioning the National Labor Relations Board for an election to decertify SEIU.

A few facts on decertification:

  • Once the union is voted in, they are in place for a one-year minimum even without a contract.
  • After the first year, or after the expiration of the first contract (or three years, whichever is sooner), if employees want to get the union out, they would have to gather enough signatures to file a decertification petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
  • Employees would be solely responsible for initiating and organizing this effort on their own and, federal law does not allow Clinica to assist this effort in any way.
  • Some unions may even fine or “bring charges” against members that pursue decertification efforts.

Before You Sign: Key Facts

Would you...

…sign up for a subscription or app without:

  • Checking how much the subscription will cost each month?
  • Knowing what services the subscription or app will include?
  • Knowing how to cancel the subscription or app?
  • Understanding if the subscription will auto-renew?

…donate to a cause without:

  • Knowing exactly where your money is going?
  • Knowing what services the organization provides, and their track record on kept promises?

Key Facts:

Here are some facts to consider before signing a union authorization card or petition:

  1. A union card is NOT “just to get more information” or “just to get an election.” A signed card or petition is a legal document that the union can submit to the government to show that you actively want union representation.
  2. The card authorizes the union to act as your sole legal representative relating to wages, benefits, schedules, and other conditions of employment. The union may not explain the significance of your signature.

  3. Instead of asking you to sign a pocket-sized card or petition, the union may ask for your “electronic signature” using email, text, social media, QR code, or internet sign-up method. Understand what you are authorizing before signing or clicking to accept online.

Most people want to know the answers to all of these questions before signing up. Consider doing the same with a union authorization card, petition, or any document a union asks you to sign. Ask questions, check the fine print, and remember:

You have the legal right to choose whether or not to sign any union related document.

It is your legal right to choose whether or not to sign any union materials. You also have the right to ask a union representative to leave your home if you do not wish to speak with them.

If you’re unsure, don’t sign under pressure. Know your rights. Protect your signature.

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