Commission confirms validity of card checks

THE PUBLIC EMPLOYEES RELATIONS COMMISSION (perc) has rejected arguments that an election should be held instead of accepting the results of card authorizations signed by employees who wish to join a union.

“Employers frequently allege that employees are not aware of what they are signing and therefore should be allowed to vote in an election,” the commission said. “The executive commission rejects this argument.”

The commission made the ruling in resolving a dispute that arose following the filing of a petition to join Council 2 by about 40 Clark County Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys earlier this year.

The employees were concerned about budget shortfalls in Clark County and wanted to have a voice in how their wages and benefits would be affected. They approached Council 2 staff who arranged for the signing of authorization cards by the deputy attorneys.

When more than 70 percent of the employees signed the cards, Council 2 asked perc to hold a card check, a process in which the commission checks the validity of the signatures. If more than 70 percent of the cards are found to be valid, the decision of the employees is accepted and the members join the union.

“But in this case the employer insisted on a secret ballot — even though more than 70 percent of the authorization cards had been signed — rather than a card check,” says Council 2 Director of Organizing Bill Keenan.

In late August, the parties agreed to ask perc to resolve the issue.

In rejecting the employer’s argument, perc said, “The wording on the authorization cards submitted is a showing of interest and in this case clearly indicates that by signing the card the employee wishes to be represented by the Washington State Council of County and City Employees for the purpose of collective bargaining.

“Just as people can be expected to attach importance to checks, contracts and other documents they sign in the course of their personal business affairs, employees can be expected to read and know the importance of authorization cards they sign for a union.”

The commission ordered the card check and Council 2 was selected as the bargaining representative for the deputy attorneys’ unit.