In order to help supervisors successfully respond to employee questions about unionization, it is important to include the legislative elements in the guidelines. According to the National Labor Relations Act, “the union must turn in cards to the National Labor Relations Board signed by at least 30% of employees voicing their support for a union in order to request a secret ballot election” (Vernuccio, 2019, para. 1). If there are more than 50% signed cards, an employer can either recognize the union voluntarily or ask for a secret ballot election (Vernuccio, 2019). In most cases, the latter option is commonly practiced. Therefore, supervisors need to know whether or not emerging unrecognized unions are willing to cooperate under the neutrality agreement. If not, managers should choose secret ballot elections to ensure fairness. Supervisors can engage in “union busting” in a permissible manner by advocating against unionization for the employees (Horton, 2021). However, it is important not to campaign near the voting area, which is illegal. In addition, an employer cannot threaten employees with layoffs or dismissals. However, an anti-union campaign can be held in areas outside the voting one.
Bible states: “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion” (Holy Bible, English Standard Version, 2001/2016, Proverbs 18:2). Therefore, supervisors should select secret ballot elections in order to properly understand the employee’s wishes. Bible also states: “How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying” (Holy Bible, King James Bible, 1769/2017, 1 Corinthians 14:26). In other words, supervisors should communicate with employees about the reasons why the recent changes have been made.
References
English Standard Version. (2016). English Standard Version. Web.
Horton, A. (2021). John Oliver rips union busting by companies: ‘It’s all about killing momentum.’ The Guardian. Web.
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. Web.
Vernuccio, F. V. (2019). The current union election process. Mackinac Center for Public Policy. Web.