The 6 Steps to Forming a Union
Unite for a stronger future: Learn the steps necessary to establish a union and foster a fair and equitable workplace for you and your coworkers.
Build an Organizing Committee
Sign 1199 NUHHCE Authorization cards. These cards are distributed in your workplace by the organizing committee to be signed by the majority. The card represents your show of interest in having union representation by 1199 NUHHCE.
Petition the National Labor Relations Board for a Union Election
When most of you have signed the cards (about 70%-75%), a petition for an election is filed at the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB reviews the cards (cards are not shown to the employer), sets up a hearing, and then sets a date for the union election.
Employees Vote in The Union Election
The NLRB conducts the union election. Voting is by secret ballot. Voters must select 1199 NUHHCE by 50% plus 1 in order to win and to have representation in collective bargaining with your employer regarding wages, benefits, and terms of employment. The NLRB issues a certification to the union once it is clear of the union’s victory.
You Choose Your Negotiating Team
After you have won, you will choose a team among yourselves to represent the union side in collective bargaining with your employer. A survey will be distributed to everyone in the bargaining unit to decide all issues of importance to put together the contract proposal.
1199 NUHHCE Negotiates a Contract with Management.
Having prepared the contract proposal, the union negotiating team presents it to management. The bargaining process begins. Both sides meet on scheduled dates to discuss wages, benefits, and terms of employment. When both the union and management reach an agreement, they put it in writing.
1199 NUHHCE Members Ratify the Contract
The negotiating team then presents the agreement to you and your co-workers, who will vote on whether to accept the contract.