The Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) or the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) oversee the conduct of a Union representation election.

Authorization cards are filed with PERC/NLRB to determine if there has been a sufficient showing of interest. The Union must present cards from a minimum of 30% of the anticipated bargaining unit.

PERC/NLRB verifies the showing of interest and in approximately 10 days will hold a hearing with the employer and the union to decide an election date, time and place and which group(s) of employees will be eligible to vote.

The usual election date is 4 to 6 weeks after the hearing.

The employer is required by PERC/NLRB to provide the names and addresses of all employees in the classifications eligible to vote. Both the union and the employer conduct their campaigns over the 4-to 6-week period before the election.

On Election Day, PERC/NLRB will conduct the election usually at your facility. All eligible voters will be allowed to vote.

At the close of the polls, PERC/NLRB will count the votes right at your worksite. All employees are welcome to attend the vote count.

If 50 percent plus one (50% + 1) or a simple majority of those voting, vote in favor of the union, the Union wins the election.

Shortly after the election, PERC/NLRB will certify the Union as the collective bargaining representative.

Or, an employer may grant "voluntary recognition" with an authorization card count, conducted by an impartial third party.

WHEN CAN I SIGN UP MY COLLEAGUES AND/OR DISCUSS THE UNION WITH THEM?

You may sign up fellow employees before work, after work, on lunch breaks and other breaks only. You may not use work time for union business or discussions. You should not talk about the union in work  areas and not while you are working or the person you are talking to is working. However, you can talk to you colleagues about the Union in staff lounges, break rooms, cafeterias, and other common areas.