Michigan Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) Practice Exam

What percentage of a potential bargaining unit must sign cards for an election to be held?

1. 20%

2. 30%

3. 40%

4. 50%

The correct answer is: 30%

To initiate an election for a bargaining unit, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requires that a certain percentage of employees within that unit must demonstrate interest in union representation by signing authorization cards. In many cases, this threshold is set at 30%. When 30% of the potential bargaining unit members sign these cards, it acts as sufficient evidence of interest in forming a union and is the threshold necessary to proceed with an election. This rule is established to ensure that there is a substantial level of support among the employees before the process moves forward, allowing the NLRB to be assured that a majority of the employees have expressed a desire to be represented by a union. Understanding this percentage is crucial for administrators and those involved in labor relations as it guides the process of union organization and the conditions under which an election can be called.