Once the authorization cards are signed, what's next?
After the UFCW Local 876 organizing committee secures a majority of signatures on authorization cards/petition, there are three ways employees can gain union representation: 

1. UFCW Local 876 will request a secret ballot election by filing a petition with the NLRB. The NLRB is an agency of the United States Federal Government, whose responsibility it is to protect the rights of workers to a free choice in joining and forming a union at their workplace. 
2. Your employer has the option of voluntarily recognizing the union, if the majority of workers have demonstrated they wish to be represented by the union. 
3. If your employer engages and commits a large number of unfair labor practices, in which the NLRB determines it is impossible to have a fair election, the NLRB can issue a "bargaining order" requiring your employer to recognize the union. 

Does signing a union authorization card make me a union member and require me to pay union dues?
No, signing an union authorization card is how workers demonstrate their interest to in being represented by a union. The NLRB requires workers sign union authorization cards or a petition before the NLRB will even consider conducting an election. No worker will be asked to pay any union dues until you and your co-workers have successfully negotiated and voted to accept a union contract. 

How many workers' signatures will it take to get an election?
The NLRB requires signature from a minimum of 30 percent or the workers to file a request for an election. UFCW Local 876 would prefer that a majority of workers sign union authorization cards before petitioning the NLRB to conduct a secret ballot election. 

Who sees the union authorization cards and signatures?
Only the UFCW Local 876 Organizing Committee and the NLRB will see the cards. 

Once the petition is received, how much long will it be for an election to be scheduled?
The NLRB typically schedules an election within 42 - 45 days after receiving the petition. The time it takes to file is up to you and your co-workers.

Who will conduct our election and where will it take place? 
An agent from the NLRB office will conduct your secret ballot election for union representation. No one including the board agent will ever know how you voted, unless you tell them. Typically, elections are conducted in a secured and secluded area of the workplace. 

How many votes does it take to win union representation?
A simple majority of the votes cast, that is 50 percent plus one, of the people who vote. 

Who is eligible to vote?
All regular full and part time employees working for the employer and that are not working as a manager, supervisor or security guard can vote. The NLRB has very specific criteria to determine whether an employee is a supervisor. And is not based on a title or classification that management has assigned. 

Can my employer harass or fire me for supporting the union?
No. Section 7 of the National Labor Relations Act protects your rights to form, join or assist in forming a union at your workplace. The NLRB insures your legal right to a free choice and prohibits your employer from discriminating against you as a result of your union activity. 

How much are union dues and what are they used for?
UFCW Local 876 has a dues rate schedule. Typically your dues will be determined by your industry and classification. Local 876 dues are a fixed rate and do not include any automatic increases. Remember, no one will be asked to pay any union dues until you and your co-workers have successfully negotiated and voted to accept your union contract. You and your co-workers will be enjoying the benefits and advantages of a union contract before ever being asked to pay union dues. 

What are initiation fees?
UFCW Local 876 does not charge initiation fees for a newly organized bargaining unit. During your organizing campaign, you will receive an initiation fee waiver card guaranteeing all employees on the payroll at the time workers vote to accept the contract will be waived initiation fees. 

Will I have to go out on strike to get a contract?
If, during the collective bargaining process, your bargaining committee and the employer do not reach an agreement, the employees have an option to accept the final offer, attempt to bargain more (typically with a Federal Mediator) or vote to strike. At least 66 percent (a two-thirds majority) of the employees voting must vote to strike before any such action is taken. Government statistics show that nearly 99 percent of all labor contracts are settled without a strike. 

What is the advantage of having a union contract at my workplace?
Without a union contract, most employees are an "at - will" employee, which means all conditions of employment are determined by the employer and can be changed, modified or eliminated at any time. In fact, your employment can be terminated with or without cause or notice at the employer's whim. With a union contract, you and your co-workers will have a legal binding document that guarantees your conditions of employment (wages, health insurance, pension benefits, seniority rights, grievance procedures, etc.) Government statistics illustrate that union workers earn  higher wages, better benefits and working conditions than their nonunion counterparts.