How to Form a Union

When you and your co-workers join together to form a union, you gain the legal right to negotiate directly with your employer over wages, benefits, and working conditions. Whether you work in the private sector, public sector, or another field, the basic steps to forming a union are similar—and rooted in building collective power on the job.

How It Works

  1. Connect with Your Co-Workers
    Start by talking with trusted co-workers who may share similar concerns about the workplace. Building relationships and identifying common interests is the foundation of any successful union effort.
  2. Reach Out for Support
    Get in touch with us to connect with a union organizer. They can help you make a plan, understand your rights, and guide you through each stage of the process.
  3. Build Support
    Talk to more co-workers and build majority support for unionizing. This often involves forming an organizing committee and discussing workplace issues openly and honestly.
  4. Gather Authorization Cards or Petitions
    As support grows, workers sign union authorization cards or petitions to demonstrate their desire for union representation.

Two Paths to Union Recognition

1. Voluntary Recognition

If a majority of your co-workers sign union cards:

  • You can request that your employer voluntarily recognize the union.
  • If your employer agrees, you can begin negotiating a contract.
  • If they refuse, you can file for an election with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) or, in some cases, take collective action like a strike for recognition.

2. NLRB Election

If voluntary recognition is denied:

  • Collect signed union cards from at least 30% of employees.
  • File a petition with the NLRB for a union election.
  • If a majority (50% plus one) of those voting choose the union, your employer is legally required to negotiate in good faith.

What Happens Next

Once your union is officially recognized, you’ll elect your union leaders and begin the process of negotiating a contract. It’s a democratic, inclusive process—driven by workers. The more involved and united your group is, the stronger your union will be.

Know Your Rights:
You have the legal right to talk about and organize a union with your co-workers. Learn more about your rights and protections under federal and state labor laws. 

Connect With An Organizer:

I’m Ready to Organize