What unions say about cards
The law DOES NOT say unions have to tell workers the truth about cards.
Because getting signatures is so important to them, unions and their representatives sometimes say things that aren't true.
Here's an example:
Yes, you do need to KNOW THE TRUTH about signing a union authorization card.
But this union handout doesn't tell the truth.
-
The union says "THERE IS NO OTHER PURPOSE FOR THE CARD" than to have an election held by the government.
That's not the truth. There are many ways unions use signed cards to get in without an election, including voluntary recognition by management or "bargaining orders" by the NLRB.
-
The union says cards "ARE KEPT CONFIDENTIAL"
That's not the truth. Unions show signed cards to other workers to get them to sign a card as well.
What's the truth about cards?
The card doesn't say "I want information." It says you want the union to represent you.
This is an illegal threat and NOT TRUE – unions CANNOT force management to fire workers for refusing to sign a card.
Sometimes unions disguise authorization petitions to look like something else, sign as a meeting sign-in sheet. Be careful what you sign!
Who knows how many people have REALLY signed? And maybe they signed because they were also told "everybody else has signed."
Signing a card can bring in a union - and eventually force you to pay union dues - without a vote.
Signing a card means the union will stay, not go away. If you want the union to go away and stop pestering you, don't sign a card, say "go away."
What else do unions say about cards?
“The card is just to get more information.”
“If you don't sign, we'll make management fire you once we get in."
"This is just a sign-in sheet to get into our meeting."
"Everybody else has signed; you better sign, too'
"The card just means there will be a vote. You can always vote no if you don't want the union, but you should at least let everybody have a vote."
"If you sign I'll go away and stop pestering you."
Do workers ever become unionized because they were tricked into signing a card?
Of course. Here's just one example (to read the whole story, click here):
THE BOTTOM LINE:
4 facts you should know -
1. It doesn't matter what anyone tells you.
2. Union cards mean what they say.
3. If you sign a card, it means you want the union to represent you.
4. Signed cards can cause you to become unionized without a vote.