What are the steps to forming a union?
Forming a union in Washington takes several steps. Before anything else, workers must come together to express their interest in forming a union. This usually involves appointing members to represent them and selecting a union to represent them, such as the United Food and Commercial Workers Union or the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers. Once the workers have come together and chosen their union, they will need to file a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which is a federal agency. This petition will ask for an election to determine if workers want to form a union or not. The NLRB will then review the petition and hold an election among the workers. This election is secret, so everyone’s vote is anonymous. If a majority of the workers vote in favor of forming a union, then the workers can begin to form the union. Once a union is formed, the union will then negotiate with the employer to create a collective bargaining agreement. This agreement sets out the terms and conditions by which the workers will be employed. This includes wages, benefits, job security, hours of work, and other important things. Once the collective bargaining agreement is finalized, the workers and the employer will need to abide by all of the terms in the agreement. This agreement is legally binding and must be respected by both sides. Forming a union is a complicated process, but it is possible in Washington. With careful planning and the will of the workers, a union can be formed and a collective bargaining agreement signed.
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