This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD and by wikiHow staff writer, Cheyenne Main. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.
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Unions are employee-created organizations that bargain for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. Although employers often discourage unionization, the right to form one is protected by the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). If at least 30% of your co-workers sign your petition or authorization cards, you can start a union in your own workplace. Keep reading to learn all about the process, including the pros and cons of unionizing and what rights you have when forming a union.
To form a union through voluntary recognition, over 50% of your co-workers must sign authorization cards or a petition. To form a union through an election, at least 30% of your co-workers must sign authorization cards so you can file a petition with the NLRB. Contact a union organizer in your area for support.