President at The International Labor Group Corp, Labor Expert Consultant, Labor Law Expert
Union Application Cards: What Every Employee Needs to Know When I was a union organizer, my main goal was to get as many members as possible. The more members we had, the stronger—and wealthier—the union became. But there was something I didn’t always share: the full reality of what signing a union application card actually means for employees. Now, as an advocate for transparency, I want to share the truth about these cards so every employee can make an informed decision. Many employees think of a union application card as just a request for more information or an initial step to learn about the union. But the truth is, signing a union card is a legally binding commitment that has significant implications. Here’s what every employee should know: 1. It’s Not Just for Information – It’s a Legal Contract By signing a union card, an employee is not simply asking for more information; they’re entering into a legal agreement with the union. This card can be used to demand recognition from the employer without an election. Essentially, once signed, this card gives the union power over the employee’s right to freely choose through a formal vote. 2. Your Personal Information Isn’t Private Once an employee signs a union card, their personal contact information is now in the union’s hands. This information can be shared with others in the workplace to encourage more people to sign on, which often leads to peer pressure. Employees should know that their information is not confidential in this process. 3. The Union Can Seek Recognition Without an Election Often, unions will present these signed cards to the employer to demand recognition. This process, called “card check,” can bypass the traditional election process, taking away other employees’ right to decide through a secret ballot election. This means some employees may feel pressured to go along with a decision that was made without their vote. 4. Commitment to Union Dues and Regulations By signing, employees are agreeing to union dues and rules that they may not fully understand. These dues are generally required, even for employees who later disagree with the union or its approach. Unions also set rules and regulations that members are expected to follow, potentially impacting workplace decisions and policies. 5. You Can Still Vote “No” It’s essential that employees understand they still have the right to vote “no” even if they’ve signed a union card. This process is often confusing, and it’s easy to feel locked into the union’s path once the card is signed. But employees can choose to vote differently when it comes to a formal election. At The Labor Group, we believe that every employee deserves to make an informed decision about union membership. Signing a union application card is a significant commitment with lasting impacts. By understanding what these cards mean, employees can protect their rights and make the choice that’s best for them. www.laborgroup.us
Employment Lawyer Protecting Businesses, Partner at Greenwald Doherty LLP | admitted in KY, NY, NJ
1moGiid information. Yes, employees who signed cards can later vote "no" in an election, if there is an election and not recognition based on the cards.