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Unions are always looking for new, dues-paying members and you and fellow DMMI associates are prime targets. The union's first step in recruiting you as a member is to get you to sign a union authorization card. So, we want you to have the facts about union authorization cards and your signature if you are ever approached by a union organizer.

What is a union authorization card?
A union authorization card is a legal and binding document that when signed gives the union the right to speak and bargain for you regarding your wages, hours, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.

What should you know about union authorization cards?
You have the right to refuse to sign a card.

Union organizers have been known to make misrepresentations, false statements, empty promises and even threats to get associates to sign cards. Threats or coercion from anyone attempting to get you to sign a union card are unlawful. If you are threatened or you believe you are being coerced, tell your supervisor.

Organizers have also been known to pressure and harass associates, at work and at home, to sign cards.

Anatomy of a union authorization card
Below is a sample of what a union authorization card might look like and what each section means.
  1. Union organizers may tell you that signing a card will just get you more information or the opportunity for an election. But look closely, nowhere on the card does it say that. By signing, you would be agreeing to give up your right to speak for yourself directly to management about your job.

  2. By obtaining your home address and telephone number, the union would be able to contact you at home. It might be literature, or bothersome phone calls at home. Or, it might be annoying union organizers coming in person, trying to get more information on the company, and names and addresses of other associates that might sign cards.

  3. The union may ask for your job classification and current wage so the organizer can get a picture of how much the company pays. No matter how much the company pays associates, the organizer may promise more! If so, ask the organizer to guarantee that promise in writing and see what happens.

  4. Your signature on this legal and binding document is final. If you change your mind the union is under no obligation to return it.

  5. A signed authorization card is valid for one (1) year from the date you sign.
What happens if you sign a union card?

Right now, your authorization card would be added to any other signed cards and if the union has signed cards from at least 50% + 1 of associates in the bargaining unit, then it can go to the company and demand to be recognized as the bargaining agent for all the associates in the bargaining unit.

If the company refuses (or 30% of the associates in the bargaining unit have signed cards), the union can then file a petition for representation with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). A secret ballot election would be held allowing associates to vote on whether or not they want to be represented by the union.

Get the latest on the United Auto Workers.

Membership: Find out how many members the Union has lost.

126,223 - What does this number mean? Find out in the UAW Strikes section.

Finances: How much money did the Union collect and spend this year?

Some associates who signed union authorization cards before they had all the facts, or because of deceptive UAW claims and promises, have asked us for information about withdrawing their cards.

Also, as most of you are aware, the UAW supporters have resorted to threats, intimidation and harassment in an effort to get associates to sign cards.

If you have signed a card and wish to revoke it, you should:

1. Write a letter to:

  • The UAW International office
  • and the local UAW organizer (if known).
(Click here for a sample letter.)

2. It is a good idea to keep a copy of your letter for your records.
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