Labor Relations Law Blog

How is the Election Outcome Decided?

A majority of votes decides the outcome.  Since the outcome of an election is governed by a majority of valid votes counted, participation is important.  If employees do not participate, employees who do participate make the decision.   During an election, parties often agree on the voting unit and other issues.  However, if parties do not agree, the NLRB regional office holds a pre-election hearing in an effort to resolve disputed issues. 

Post-election proceedings can also be held to address a wide variety of issues including voter eligibility and election conduct.  Parties are entitled to seek NLRB review of regional determinations before and after the election depending on the nature of the issue and timing. 

If a union wins a simple majority of votes cast, the union represents the entire group.  In most instances the NLRB will then certify the outcome and the union will officially represent the employees for purposes of negotiating wages, hours, and working conditions.  An employer acts at its peril in changing wages, hours, or working conditions without bargaining with the union if the employees are represented by a union.   A union which loses an election must wait a year to come back for another election.

How Can Management Prepare for Organizing Efforts? 

Union activity is reaching new heights as demonstrated by the widely publicized petitions filed by employees of Amazon, Starbucks and Apple.  Organizing activity is expanding beyond traditional strongholds like manufacturing, construction, and mining, into new industries.  This surge may be attributed to advances in technology, the change in Administration and/or current social and cultural values that place a high emphasis on employee rights.  Management should be prepared to act promptly upon learning of an organizing drive to ensure protection of their organization and employees in a manner consistent with both company goals and applicable law.  Every employer should think about its goals in relation to union activity and representation.  In light of current trends, employers are advised to review their policies regularly, conduct management training, and to consult competent labor counsel at AALRR as needed.

This AALRR post is intended for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon in reaching a conclusion in a particular area of law. Applicability of the legal principles discussed may differ substantially in individual situations. Receipt of this or any other AALRR publication does not create an attorney-client relationship. The firm is not responsible for inadvertent errors that may occur in the publishing process. 

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