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The Election Process

1. The Petition Phase

Before an election, union representatives typically communicate and meet with graduate students to determine their interest in representation, in order to secure enough support to file a petition for election.

Next, the union will attempt to obtain signed authorization cards from at least 30 percent of the eligible graduate students the union wants to represent. Note the following:

  • Eligible graduate students could include those serving as teaching or research assistants, and perhaps others.
  • It is entirely up to the student to choose whether to sign the card. A signature does not obligate them to vote for a union in the event of an election, which is conducted by the NLRB using secret ballots.

Should the union obtain the necessary 30 percent, it will submit both the signed authorization cards and formal petition to the NLRB. The petition is then presented to Northwestern University by the NLRB, commencing the post-petition campaign phase.

2. Post-Petition Campaign

Shortly after receiving the petition, Northwestern must post notices around campus. Both Northwestern and the union will send out information about unionization during the campaign. This phase of the process is largely meant to build awareness around the upcoming election and drive higher voter turnout and concludes with the election. The University also is obligated to disclose to the union and the NLRB the names of graduate students who are eligible to vote. 

3. The Election

The NLRB will administer the election by secret ballot, either in-person or via U.S. mail. Voting is critical, given that a simple majority of only those who cast a vote will determine the outcome of the election.

Consider the following before you vote:

  • It is critical that you vote in the election to make your voice heard, either for or against the union.
  • Prior to voting, gather as many details as possible about what union representation means and about the union itself, and assess whether you feel confident that the union can effectively represent your unique interests.
  • You can still choose to vote against union representation in the election even if you signed an authorization card during the petition phase.
  • Should you choose to vote for the union, and the union is indeed elected and certified, this union will become your exclusive representative for pay, benefits and other working conditions, and cannot be voted out for at least one year. After a year, a union can only be removed through a lengthy decertification process that requires another election.
  • Please know that your vote on the NLRB’s secret ballot is confidential, known only to you, and never shared with the University, the union representative, other graduate students or the NLRB.

Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions for more information on unions and the election process.