What Does It Mean to Sign a Union Authorization Card?

A union card is a legal document. It does not have to be a piece of paper. Today it’s more likely an online form or survey on your phone. When you sign it, you’re saying you want the union to have the exclusive right to speak for you about pay, benefits, and working conditions.

What happens when you sign?

  • The union gets your contact information and can use it however they want.
  • Depending on the fine print, you may also have to follow new rules and pay money to the union.
  • If over 50% of your coworkers sign, the union usually asks your employer to recognize them without an election.

Questions you should want answered before signing a union card:

  • What will union dues cost? When do they start? Can they go up without my permission?
  • How long does it take to negotiate a first contract?
  • Can I change my mind after signing? What are the consequences?
  • What, if anything, am I guaranteed in return for signing a card?

Things to know:

  • Signing doesn’t guarantee any improvement to pay or benefits
  • First contract negotiations take a long time (over a year on average)
  • Around one-third of first contract negotiations don’t reach a contract
  • Once a union is in, they have a right to attend any meeting where you bring complaints to the company (even if you want it private)
  • You may have to pay union dues (usually 1-3 hours of pay per month)
  • Contracts usually last 3 or more years

Your Rights

You have the legal right to:

  • Sign a card if you want union representation
  • Refuse to sign a card
  • Ask questions before deciding

No one can force you to sign or not sign.