ORGANIZING
HOW DOES IT WORK?

Representation / Establishment of a Union is Governed by the National Labor Relations Board.  A Union (bargaining unit) is established through a successful election.  -  In order to petition the Board for an election, the union must show sufficient interest by the affected employees.  The Union must demonstrate a minimum of 30 % of affected employees have indicated interest for the Board to consider an election.

• Initial contact between parties – OPEIU HEALTHCARE and Employee interest
   
• OPEIU HEALTHCARE initially meets with core group (smaller group) of representative employees to gage interest of the group and to begin defining a potential bargaining unit.
   
• If possible – OPEIU HEALTHCARE enlist the help of volunteers to assist with communication and organizing efforts.  (Voluntary Organizing Committee)
   
• Ongoing Collection of Names, Addresses and Telephone Numbers
   
• Determine / Establish total number of employees in potential bargaining unit and number of signed "cards" necessary to file a petition for election with NLRB.
   
• Ongoing collection of signed authorization cards.
   
• Ongoing meetings with employees from the potential bargaining unit – education, communication, and answering questions.
   
• Mailings to employees providing updates and encouraging signing of authorization cards.
   
• Obtain a sufficient number of authorization cards and file petition with NLRB requesting an election.
   
• NLRB evaluation, NLRB determination of bargaining unit, hearing if necessary, election is scheduled.
   
• Election conducted – If majority of employees vote for OPEIU HEALTHCARE representation, election is successful.  (NOTE:  The stronger the vote the better bargaining position)
   
• Begin preparation for bargaining first collective bargaining agreement – Negotiate first contract.
   
• NOTE:  Bargaining Unit Members do not pay any dues until the first contract is ratified!