The Union Organizing Process

Conducting a union election costs about $1,000 per worker, whether the union wins or loses. In 2015, there were 1,628 NLRB-conducted certification elections, down from more than 7,000 per year in the 1960s. Unions won 1,128 of the 2015 elections.
When a group of employees decide they would like to be represented by a union, their first step is to file a petition with the NLRB. Employees in the designated work unit, referred to as the bargaining unit, provide a dated signature on either a union authorization card or a signature sheet, indicating that they are interested in being represented by a particular union. At least 30% of the eligible employees must provide this card for the NLRB to consider the petition.
The NLRB then assigns an agent from the appropriate regional field office to process the petition. The regional office of the NLRB holds a secret-ballot election, usually at the workplace.
Here's an overview of the steps required in the union certification process: Step 1: Workers decide they want to be represented by a specific union. Step 2: Thirty percent of eligible workers in the bargaining unit sign cards petitioning the NLRB for secret-ballot elections. Step 3: A representation certification petition is filed with the NLRB. Step 4: The regional office of the NLRB holds a secret-ballot election. Step 5: The NLRB tallies the vote to determine if a majority of the workers voted for the union. Step 6: The union is certified if the vote is positive. Step 7: The employer is required to bargain with the union.
One of the most challenging parts of the certification process is determining who is actually eligible to sign the card. The NLRB determines who is eligible to be part of the bargaining unit, or the union and the employer jointly make this decision.
A card check is a process whereby a company recognizes a union once the union has produced evidence that the majority of workers have signed authorization cards indicating that they want the union to represent them. No election is held. Under a neutrality agreement, a company agrees that it will not express its views about unionization during the time when signatures are collected. Unions prefer card checks and neutrality agreements because the NLRB does not become involved in the union certification process, and management loses its right to speak out about the possible effects of unionization.

[@garys9828]

How are Organizers not employees of the company? 5:45. I thought the organizers would be the employees building the union. I think I am missing something here. Anyhow, thanks for the video and content. It has helped me a lot in different sections of the labor movement.

[@mikeoveli1028]

I think this video is trying to discourage anyone from organizing a union.

[@cjschneidt9089]

So there are both. This video wants to third party the union, but a HUGE amount of organizing is worker to worker rather than union staff to worker.
The union si made of the people. Its not a 3rd party.

[@sim_aware]

I have never done much work with unions outside of requesting workers. I had no idea it was so expensive to run the election.That is a huge cost to organize.

[@GreggU]

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[@Loud_Thinker]

I think that comment on how much an election cost per employee is BS. That alone sounds like a union-busting effort. employees do not pay a dime until they are represented by a Union Plus has that Union representation win them an election.

[@Loud_Thinker]

That is a lie. Employees will not pay a dime until they win an election and a contract. Instead of taking their word call a local union in your area to confirm. IWW, TEAMSTERS SEIU OR IBEW

[@dustytimez8882]

The approximate $1000 is not paid by the employee. Pretty sure it's paid by the union.

[@mikeoveli1028]

This video sounds like it is discouraging anyone who wants to organize a union.