A union authorization form is a legally binding document. If you sign one, you’re authorizing a union to speak for you. Make sure you know what you’re being asked to sign and why. You have a legal right to refuse to sign anything the union gives you.

What you need to know

• You are not required to speak with union organizers
• You, and only you, can decide whether to sign, or not sign, a union card
• You cannot be threatened or pressured into signing a card
• You should only consider signing a card if you actually support the union or want to form one
• You can change your mind after signing a card and can ask the union to give it back

Here’s some important information they’re likely not sharing with you that you need to know….

Protect your signature

Did you know…?

• A union authorization card (or A-card) is a legal and binding document and is presumptively valid for one (1) year from the date you sign it
• An A-card authorizes the union to represent you
• Once you sign a card it becomes the property of the union
• Union organizers may say that signing a card will just get you more information or the opportunity for an election
  • But if it has language authorizing the union to represent you in collective bargaining, signing it gives the union the right to speak and bargain for you regarding your wages, hours, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment
• Cards can be in paper or electronic form
• Typing your name on an electronic card or form can have the same legal effect as signing it on a physical card
• You have the right to refuse to sign a card
• Threats or coercion from anyone attempting to get cards signed are unlawful

Again….

Union organizers may call, send U.S. mail, email or text you or visit you at home. If the union contacts you, you may treat it as any other salesperson and say no if you are not interested. It is your decision whether you decide to speak with them or respond to them.

Your personal information

RTX has been made aware that the IAM has sent union materials to your homes; in some cases, hand delivering outreach materials to your doorsteps.

RTX is committed to the highest standards of private data protection. The Company does not disclose personal information like this, especially to outsiders, except under exceptional circumstances as required by law. Last year, during the IAM’s organizing petition at the Jacksonville sites, the law required that RTX provide the personal information of all employees eligible to vote. This included your name, home address, home phone, cell number and personal email address we have on file.

Unfortunately, while RTX was required to provide this information, there is no requirement upon the conclusion of the petition for the union to destroy this information. The Company has limited control over what the union may do with your private information. The union may call, contact you via U.S. mail, email or text, or visit you at home. It is your decision whether you decide to speak with them.

The Law – The Excelsior Requirement

In 1966, the Board held in Excelsior Underwear, Inc., 156 NLRB 1236 (1966), that employers must file an eligibility list that includes the names and home addresses of eligible voters (amended in 2014, to include personal email and phone numbers) within seven calendar days (amended in 2014 to two business days) after a decision and direction of election (DDE) issues or approval of an election agreement, in order to “maximize the likelihood that all the voters will be exposed to the arguments for, as well as against, union representation.” Failure to produce the list could be considered interference with the election and result in the election being set aside.