You Have the Right to Say “No”

U.S. Union representatives or other employees might ask you to sign an authorization card. They may use peer pressure, call you at home, visit your home or promise you certain gifts for signing. These people may even make negative comments about Luxottica to drive a wedge or break down the trust between us. Whether or not you experience these behaviors, it is your decision to sign or not to sign the authorization card. Since this card is a legal document, you always have the right to say “no.”

Authorization cards are significant because it’s how the Union gets its foot in the door. Essentially, it is a legal document that states the Union has the right to represent you with regard to collective bargaining. Collective bargaining is the negotiation of all terms and conditions of your employment: pay, benefits, hours, retirement, etc.

You Have the Right to Vote

If the Union is able to collect enough authorization cards, there may be an election in the workplace to determine whether or not the Union will get the right to represent you and your coworkers. You have the right to vote in this election. Take advantage of this right as it is the only way for you to make your voice heard. Many times, the Union representative may tell you to simply not vote if you do not want the Union to represent you. This direction falsely gives the impression that not voting is the same as voting “no.” In fact, just like a government election, only those who vote decide for everyone.

This means that a small group of people could make the decision for everyone. For that reason, it is very important that you make your voice heard if you do not want the Union to represent you. The final determiner of your wishes is your vote. Make it count!

You Have the Right to Change Your Mind

Even if you signed the authorization card, you always have the right to vote “no” on election day. Nobody will know how you voted on election day: not the company, not the Labor Board, not your coworkers, not the Union.