Union organizers may be paid for the signatures they collect and/or are trained in how to “sell” you on the idea of a union. It is permitted under the NLRA to use “misleading” statements and make promises, similar to a political campaign, in an effort to gain members and unionize. Under federal law, Clinica is not permitted to engage in the same promises or speech that the union can. What we can do is provide you with facts, so when you are asked for a signature on a card or petition – or when you go to vote – you have the ability to make the most informed decision on whether to vote yes or no.
Quick Facts on Authorization Cards
- A signed card is a legal document that the union could turn into the government to show you want union representation.
- You do NOT need to sign a card or petition in order to vote in an election. If your position is included in a potential petition, you are eligible to vote!
- The card authorizes the union to speak and act for you on all matters relating to pay, schedules and other conditions of employment.
- Union authorization cards may come in many forms, such as an index card or a request for your “electronic signature” through text messages, website links or QR codes. Be careful what you “click to accept” or authorize online.
- Just because you signed a union authorization card before the election does not mean you have to vote Yes – you can vote NO!
Unions are not required by law to identify what they may ask you to sign as an authorization card. Unions can be so persistent in soliciting cards that employees may just sign a card to get the organizer to just “leave them alone.” SEIU may also misrepresent what signing the card means or suggest that by signing, the employee is supporting a specific cause. A union card is not “just to get more information,” “just to support a cause” or “just to get an election.” SEIU may sometimes use phrases like:
“This is just so I can send you more information.”
“Everyone has signed a petition but you.”
“You have to sign this in order to be able to vote in the election.”
“Sign this and I will get you a big raise and free healthcare.”
None of these statements are legally accurate. The bottom line on authorization cards is: If you are not sure if you want a union to represent you, do not sign a card. If you do (or do not) sign a card, you can still vote – and you can vote YES or NO to SEIU.
If I signed an authorization card or a petition, can I get it back if I change my mind about supporting the union?
In this instance, the union claims it already has majority support, which the clinic has disputed (as is its right to do so). Due to the demand letter the union sent CFHW, under federal law CFHW is required to file a petition for election in order for a secret ballot election to take place. CFHW did so on July 10. Otherwise, the union would be recognized automatically without a vote, which we do not think is fair as not everyone’s voice would be heard without a secret ballot election. Now, your recourse is to simply vote “no” if you do not want to support the union, even if you initially signed an authorization card or a petition in support of the union.
Regret Signing A Card?
Some employees have asked us what to do if they have already signed a union card or petition – and they now do not want to support the union after learning additional facts. Even if you signed a card, you do NOT have to vote “yes”. The election is a secret ballot election where no one will know how you voted. You can still vote “no” even if you signed a card or petition.
Not sure what you were signing? Thinking twice about paying dues? Ask the Union to return your signed card. If they refuse, ask why.