The Communications Workers of America (CWA) successfully collected 94 authorization cards from the 152 eligible employees of a telecommunications company. The CWA and the company agreed to skip a representation election and instead voluntarily begin negotiations. This decision is considered illegal under the National Labor Relations Act.

National Labor Relations Act

Enacted in 1935, this foundational US labor law protects the rights of workers to organize into trade unions, engage in collective bargaining, and take collective action such as strikes.

Voluntarily Begin Negotiations

The process where parties decide to start discussions and bargaining without being compelled by law or external pressures.