The 8 Steps To Form Your Union!

Showing Interest	#1	The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), an agency of the Federal government, requires that a minimum of 30% of the employees sign union cards (or petitions) before it will conduct your election. Since it takes a majority to win, the UFCW requires 50%.
Petition Filed	#2	The UFCW presents the petition/cards to the NLRB, and they conduct your election. Your Company never sees the cards, or knows how many employees have signed.
Voting Date Set	#3	The Union, a Company representative, and the NLRB set your voting date.
NLRB Election (Secret Ballot)	#4	You vote by secret ballot to give you and your union the right to begin negotiations with your Company. A "YES" vote simply gives you the opportunity to negotiate a contract, it does not make you a union member.
Preparing for Negotiations	#5	Winning your election gives you and your co-workers the opportunity to elect a committee of workers to assist in negotiating your contract. By law, your company must negotiate "in good faith."
Negotiations	#6	Your negotiating committee, UFCW representatives, and the Company begin a series of meetings to work out differences and develop a contract that guarantees your wages and benefits in writing.
Ratification	#7	Employees are then given the opportunity to vote on their finished contract. If rejected, a Federal Mediator can be brought in to assist. If accepted, wage rates and all new benefits go into effect.
Joining the Union	#8	Only after your contract is voted on and accepted by you and your co-workers, will you be asked to join the Union. Remember, there is always strength in numbers!

WHAT IS A UNION?

A union is an organization that represents employees on all issues concerning wages, benefits and conditions of employment. As a worker, this gives you the power of many – not simply the power of one. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) is one of the largest private sector unions in North America, with over 1.4 million members. Nationwide, the UFCW represents workers in hundreds of different industries throughout the United States.

WHY THE UNITED FOOD and COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION?

UFCW Local 1625 has over 6,500 members throughout the State of Florida. In health care we represent RN’s, LPN's & Tech's at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, RN's at Brandon Regional Hospital, along with workers at 85 nursing homes and 3 mental health hospitals. We also represent workers at Walt Disney World, Smithfield Foods, and the phosphate industry.

HOW DO WE FORM A UNION?

Once a majority of workers sign UFCW cards or petitions, there are 3 ways workers can become unionized.

1. The UFCW can request a secret ballot election. The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) conducts this election for you and your co-workers. The NLRB is an agency of the Federal government. This is the most common way to become unionized.
2. Your employer has the option to voluntarily recognize the union without an election. In this case, a neutral, third party would verify that a majority of employees wish to be represented by the Union.
3. Finally, if your employer were to commit large number of unfair labor practices (violations of your rights under Federal law), and it was impossible for you to have a fair election, the NLRB can issue a "bargaining order" requiring your employer to recognize the union.

WHAT IS AN AUTHORIZATION CARD OR PETITION?

An authorization card (or petition) shows that you wish to be represented by a union, and authorizes the UFCW to represent you. These cards/petitions are proof to the NLRB that a majority of employees wish to be represented.

BY SIGNING AN AUTHORZIATION CARD OR PETITION, AM I JOINING THE UNION?

No! You are simply showing the UFCW and the NLRB that you are interested in being represented by a union. It does not obligate you to do anything!

HOW MANY SIGNATURES DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ELECTION?

The NLRB requires a minimum of 30% of the employees sign petitions or cards. The UFCW normally requires at least 50% before we file a petition, since it takes a majority to win.

WHO SEES THE CARDS AND SIGNATURES?

Only the UFCW and officials from NLRB will see the signatures.

HOW LONG DOES THE PROCESS TAKE?

The NLRB normally schedules an election within 45 days after receiving your petition. The time it takes to sign a majority is up to you and your co-workers.

WHO WILL CONDUCT OUR ELECTION?

An agent from NLRB will conduct your "secret ballot" election. No one will ever know how you voted, unless you tell them.

HOW MANY VOTES DOES IT TAKE TO WIN?

A majority of the votes cast, 50% plus one. For example, if 100 employees vote, 51 are needed to win. A tie goes to the Company.

WHO IS ELIGLBLE TO VOTE?

A "bargaining unit" of employees is defined based on their community of interest and job duties. Supervisors are not eligible to vote. The NLRB has specific criteria to determine who is a "true" manager/supervisor.

CAN MY COMPANY HARRASS OR FIRE ME FOR SUPPORTING THE UNION?

Legally they can't. If they do, unfair labor practice charges will be filed against them. The National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) protects your right to form a union at your workplace. The law states that you will not be treated unfairly for your union activity. You are allowed to discuss the union while you are on break or off the clock and the person or persons you are discussing the union with are also on break or off the clock.

WHAT IS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING?

Collective bargaining is simply the process of negotiating a contract. You, the employees, submit proposals based on what is important to you! You choose a negotiating committee, and together with the union, bargain with management on all working conditions. This includes wages, job descriptions, insurance, retirement benefits, etc. When negotiations are completed, then all bargaining unit employees have the opportunity to vote to accept or reject the contract.

WOULD THE COMPANY BE BOUND BY OUR CONTRACT?

Yes, once the contract has been voted on and accepted by you, your contract becomes a legal document protected by law.

HOW WOULD A UNION CONTRACT AFFECT MY JOB?

A contract would spell out the terms of your employment, what is expected from you, and what you can expect from your employer. Right now, your employer is under NO obligation to you. Job descriptions, wages, benefits, etc. can change at any moment, with or without notice. With a union contract, these benefits would be guaranteed in writing! A union contract provides for a fair work place, and a more secure lifestyle for you and your family.

WILL WE HAVE THE SAME CONTRACT AS OTHER WORKERS THE UFCW REPRESENTS?

No! Your contract will be designed to fit the needs of you and your co-workers.

WHAT ABOUT STRIKES?

If, during negotiations, the UFCW and your employer do not reach an agreement, you have the option to accept the final offer, attempt to bargain more (usually with a Federal Mediator involved) or vote to strike. Only you and your co-workers can vote to strike! At least 66% (a two-thirds majority) of the employees voting must vote to strike before any action is taken. In a healthcare facility, a 30-day strike notice, followed by a 10 day notice must be given in order to protect the residents.

HOW MUCH ARE UNION DUES?

Union dues are $6.00 to $8.50 per week. No one will pay union dues until; (1.) a majority of the employees have voted to allow the UFCW to represent them; (2.) your contract has been negotiated, and; (3.) you and your co-workers have voted to accept your contract.

WHAT ARE INITIATION FEES?

UFCW Local 1625 does not charge initiation fees to newly organized workers. Period!

WHAT ABOUT ANY ADDITIONAL FINES OR ASSESSMENTS?

UFCW Local 1625 has never fined or assessed anyone, nor is it allowed in our bylaws.

OKAY, NOW WHAT?

You’ve got the basics. Still want to learn more? Call or email us with any questions or additional information. Everything is strictly confidential!

UFCW LOCAL 1625: 1-800-237-4804