§7111 Exclusive recognition of labor organizations

Summary

An agency must give a union exclusive recognition when a secret ballot election in the right group of employees shows a majority of the valid votes for that union. A person can ask the Authority for an election if 30% of employees in the group want a union, or if 30% say the current union no longer represents the majority, or to clarify or change an existing certification. A union can be part of the process if at least 10% of the employees named it, or it gives a current or just-expired bargaining agreement, or other proof it represents the employees. The Authority decides who may vote and sets election rules so voters can pick a union on the ballot or choose no union. A union seeking recognition must give the Authority and the agency a list of officers and reps, its constitution and bylaws, and its goals. The Authority must not recognize a union if it is corrupt or anti-democratic; if there is not credible evidence of 30% support when required; if a valid written bargaining agreement already covers the employees unless that agreement has lasted more than 3 years or the petition is filed 105 to 60 days before the agreement ends; or if the Authority held a secret ballot for the same group within the last 12 calendar months. Hearings may be waived by agreement to allow a consent election under the Authority’s rules.