What is an Authorization Card?

First and foremost, a union Authorization Card is a legal document. That makes your signature on one very valuable to a union. These cards usually say something like, “I authorize the union to represent me with regard to collective bargaining.” Collective bargaining means negotiating all terms and conditions of your employment. So if you aren’t absolutely sure you want the union to be your representative, you probably should not sign the card.

You always have the right to say “NO.”

Authorization Cards are how a union gets its foot in the door.

Union representatives or even other team members might ask you to sign. They may use peer pressure, call you off-the-clock, visit your home, and promise you certain things. They might even say negative things about the company to create distrust and divide us. But it’s important to repeat this: You always have the right to say “NO.”

If you do choose to sign, we hope that you consider all the facts first.

Avoid Electronic Signatures too.

Be aware. Authorization cards can now also be signed electronically. Sometimes, it’s as simple as hitting a “Like” button on the union website or other electronic page, including social media. Your electronic signature can be every bit as valid as one done on a card in person.

The union must have signed cards (in person or electronically) from at least 30% of team members to ask the National Labor Relations Board for an election. Sometimes a union will get more than 50% and will then ask the company to skip the election and recognize the union.

You have the right to change your mind.

If you do sign a card and then decide you want it back, you can demand the union return it to you.

You have the right to be fully informed.

We will always try our best to keep you informed and answer any questions you might have. Feel free to ask a manager or, if you prefer, you may ask your questions anonymously HERE. (Answers will appear on the FAQ page.)

The union will say things to persuade you to sign an authorization card.  You should ask questions and get all the facts before you make up your mind.

Union representatives might promise you many things in an effort to get you to sign an authorization card. They might tell you they can get you higher pay, better benefits, job security or promotions. They know some of the things they promise are unrealistic. But, they want to get your attention and convince you that you need a union. Their job is to get you to sign the card.

The law does not allow the company to make promises during any part of a union campaign. The National Labor Relations Board says there can be no “Promising or granting promotions, pay raises, or other benefits to influence an employee’s vote by a party capable of carrying out such promises.”  That’s because the company, unlike the union, can actually deliver on promises.

• If a union representative makes promises to you, ask them to put it in writing. If they don’t, then you have to wonder why they are hesitant.

You are in control. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do.

• Union representatives will reach out to you and other team members to urge and maybe pressure you to sign an authorization card. They will come to our facility while you are at work. They might follow you on your break time or in the parking lot as you come and go to work. They might use peer pressure to get you to sign a card. It is possible they will go to your home. They do this because they must have signed cards to achieve their goal.

• Remember the authorization card is a legal document. It says, basically, that you support a union.

• The decision whether to sign an authorization card or not is up to you. We urge you to read the card very carefully. You need to know what you are agreeing to, should you decide to sign.

• If you don’t want to sign, then don’t, and firmly tell that to the union representatives. If you want union representatives to leave you alone, you can tell them that too. You do not have to talk to union representatives if you don’t want to. If they persist after you have asked them to stop you can call the National Labor Relations Board and file a complaint.

You also have the right to change your mind. If you do sign a card and then decide you want it back, you can demand the union return it to you.  The union will very likely resist this and say you can’t have it back, but you can. If they don’t allow you to get it back, you can call the National Labor Relations Board for guidance and assistance.