What is a union representation election?

A union representation election is a formal process in which workers in a workplace vote to decide whether to be represented by a union. This process is protected and regulated by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the Virginia State Employment Relations Board (SERB). The voting process typically begins with a petition signed by at least 30 percent of the workers in the workplace. This petition is submitted to the appropriate board, which then investigates and schedules a secret ballot election in which the workers can vote. During this vote, workers can decide whether to be represented by a union or to remain unorganized. The votes are tallied, and if a majority of the workers voted to unionize, the board will then certify the union as the exclusive bargaining representative for all workers in the workplace. This means that the union will negotiate employment and labor agreements with the employer on behalf of the workers. On the other hand, if the majority of the workers voted against unionization, the workplace will remain unorganized and the workers will not be represented by a union. However, the workers can try to unionize again by submitting another petition in the future.

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What is a union representation election?

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