These documents serve as a tangible expression of employee support for union representation. Functionally, they are cards, often available in a portable document format, that employees sign to indicate their desire to be represented by a specific labor union. By signing, an employee authorizes the union to act as their collective bargaining representative with their employer. These signed forms may be submitted to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to demonstrate sufficient employee interest in forming a union, typically requiring a minimum threshold of 30% of employees in the proposed bargaining unit.
The utilization of these documents is crucial in the initial stages of union organizing campaigns. Their significance lies in providing a verifiable measure of employee support. Historically, these cards have served as a primary mechanism for initiating the process that may lead to a union election and, ultimately, collective bargaining. They offer a relatively straightforward method for employees to confidentially express their views on union representation, while simultaneously providing the union with evidence to support its organizing efforts. The legitimacy and accuracy of these documents are carefully scrutinized by both employers and the NLRB to ensure fair representation of employee sentiment.
