What is ERBs role in representation and election processes?
Under PECBA, public employees have the right to “form, join and participate in the activities of labor organizations of their own choosing for the purpose of representation and collective bargaining” with a public employer. To enact and enforce this provision, ERB has adopted procedural rules that describe the criteria and procedures for processing requests for union representation which includes the filing of petitions, conducting hearings, determining the makeup of a bargaining unit, and overseeing the election process from start to finish. How does a union begin the representation process and where does it lead? To initiate the representation process, a union must demonstrate that it has at least 30% support from employees who would be included in a proposed bargaining unit. This is called a “showing of interest,” which may be substantiated by the union obtaining (1) signed authorization cards, or (2) a signed petition. The authorization card or petition must state that the affected
