1. Filing the Petition: The petition for certification is submitted to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) by a labor union or a group of employees seeking union representation. The petition must contain certain information, including:
* The name and address of the employer
* The name of the union or employee group seeking certification
* A description of the bargaining unit
* A statement of the union's or employee group's interest in representing the employees
2. Investigation and Hearing: The NLRB will assign an agent to investigate the petition. The agent will interview employees, review documents, and hold a hearing if necessary. The purpose of the investigation is to determine whether there is a valid question of representation and to establish an appropriate bargaining unit.
3. Decision and Direction of Election: After the investigation, the NLRB will issue a decision and direction of election if it finds that there is a valid question of representation. The direction of election will set forth the date, time, and place of the election.
4. Election Campaign: The union and employer will campaign to win the election. The union will try to persuade employees to vote in favor of union representation, while the employer will try to persuade employees to vote against union representation.
5. Certification of Results: After the election, the NLRB will certify the results. If a majority of employees vote in favor of union representation, the union will be certified as the exclusive bargaining representative for the employees in the bargaining unit. If a majority of employees vote against union representation, the union's petition will be denied.