Frequently asked questions about signing a union card

Question: The union organizer said that signing a card will just give everyone the chance to vote.
Answer: Not the whole truth. It’s true the union needs 30% of you to sign cards before it can petition the government for a union election. However unions will also use signed cards as “proof” that the majority of workers want that union. Remember, a union authorization card is a legal document that authorizes that union to represent you on the job. Most cards are also requests for union membership; some even go on to authorize the union to deduct money directly from your paycheck. Read the fine print carefully. Does the card say on it anywhere that you are only asking for the chance to vote or for more information?

Question: My friend said if I don’t sign a card everyone who did will turn against me.
Answer: You have the legal right to make up your own mind. It’s true the union needs 30% of you to sign cards before It’s true the union needs 30% of you to sign cards before Union drives often bring out strong emotions. But over time, as your friends hear both sides, you may see people who feel strongly about the union change their minds. Sadly, many unions send the message that if someone isn’t instantly “for” the union he or she must be “against” friends and coworkers. You know that’s not the case! The best favor you could do your coworkers would be to make an informed thoughtful decision based on facts, not emotions.

Question: My friend told me if the union gets in they’ll get us a raise and our old benefits back!
Answer: Nobody knows what will happen in bargaining. In bargaining a contract, your employer is not required to agree to something just because a union demands it. No one can predict the outcome of bargaining – you could get more, you could get less, you could stay the same and still pay dues. The union can demand anything in negotiations, they can’t guarantee your employer will agree to those demands.

Question: The union organizer told me if enough of us don’t sign in the next week he will move on to someplace where the workers really want a union.
Answer: Be careful! If the union is putting pressure on you to make a decision without all the facts, ask yourself why. And if the union is being pushy and disrespectful to you about signing the card, can you expect them to treat you and your coworkers any differently if the union gets in?

Question: I signed a card without realizing what I was signing. Can I get it back?
Answer: That’s up to the union. You can ask that your card be destroyed or returned to you but that doesn’t mean the union to has comply with your request because the card belongs to the union, not you.