What Are Elections About?

Unions who show support among employees eligible for collective bargaining in a given unit may submit petitions for election as employees’ “exclusive representative.” Initial elections always give employees the choice of “no exclusive representative” on the ballots which are cast in secret. A union must get a majority of votes cast in order to be certified as exclusive representative.

Repeat elections cannot occur for two years. The elected representative may then negotiate a contract (memorandum of understanding, or “MOU” under the statute) with the college or university on behalf of all employees in the unit.

No employee may be required to join a union under the law. Also, employees may not strike; employers may not lock out employees; and neither side may commit unfair labor practices as defined by the Board.

Both sides have a duty to negotiate in good faith on wages, hours, and conditions of employment.