Deauthorization laws are not necessary in Right to Work states [1], because Right to Work laws prohibit compulsory union membership and fee requirements.

You may contact Foundation staff attorneys [2] if you have questions about how to proceed under any of these laws, need assistance in dealing with the appropriate state agency, or encounter legal difficulties interfering with your efforts.

Alaska

Decertification: Alaska law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “an employee or group of employees or an organization acting in their behalf alleg[es] that 30 per cent of the employees of a proposed bargaining unit . . . assert that the organization which has been certified or is currently being recognized by the public employer as bargaining representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the bargaining unit.” Alaska Statutes section 23.40.100. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Alaska Labor Relations Agency (ALRA) on a form prescribed by the Agency, available at: http://146.63.75.50/laborr/forms/rep4.pdf [3], accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. See Alaska Statutes Sections 23.40.100(c) & (e) for rules covering when a decertification election can be held.

Deauthorization: Alaska law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency fee agreement.

California

Decertification: The procedures for decertifying an exclusive bargaining representative depend on whether the employee is covered by the Educational Employee Relations Act (EERA) (public schools and community colleges); the Dills Act (state employees); the Higher Education Employer-Employee Act (HEERA) (state universities); or the Meyers-Milias Brown Act (MMBA) (cities and counties). See http://www.perb.ca.gov/laws/default.asp [4]

If the employee is covered by the EERA, the Dills Act, or the HEERA, then a decertification petition is filed with the California Public Employment Relations Commission (PERB), available at:
http://www.perb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/pdfs/decertpet.pdf [5]

Persons must file a decertification petition with the appropriate PERB regional office per PERB Regulation 32075, and must accompany said petition with proof of support of at least 30% of the employees in the established bargaining unit.

If the employee is covered by the MMBA, then decertification elections are determined and processed in accordance with the rules adopted by the local city or county agency. See California Government Code Section 3507.1.

Deauthorization: California law has provisions which provide for recission (deauthorization) of a public sector agency shop agreement. For MMBA-covered employees, the local public agency may provide for procedures different from PERB’s. California Government Code Section 3502.5(d). The employee should consult the relevant city or county ordinance to determine if the local public agency has provided any deauthorization procedures. If the local public agency provides no procedures, the employee may petition PERB for relief. See PERB Regulation 60000(a). Employees governed by the Dills Act (state employees) must file a petition for recission of the fair share fee provision with the PERB in Sacramento. To obtain a Recission Petition see the PERB website at:
http://www.perb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/pdfs/dillsosrecission.pdf [6]

Public school (K-12) and community college employees (EERA) can file a petition for recission of the fair share fee provision with the appropriate PERB regional office (see PERB Regulation 32075). To obtain a Recission Petition see the PERB website at:
http://www.perb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/forms.asp [7], and scroll down, then click on EERA Fair Share Fee Recission Petition.

Higher education employees (HEERA) can file a petition for recission of the fair share fee provision with the appropriate PERB regional office. To obtain a Recission Petition see the PERB website at: http://www.perb.ca.gov/forms_pubs/forms.asp [8], and scroll down, then click on HEERA Fair Share Fee Recission Petition..

Connecticut

Decertification: Connecticut law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if a petition has been filed by an employee or group of employees alleging that a “substantial number of employees” assert that the employee organization which has been certified or is currently being recognized by their employer as the bargaining representative is no longer the representative of a majority of employees in the unit. Connecticut General Statutes Annotated section 7- 471(1)(ii). A petition for decertification must be presented to the Connecticut State Board of Labor Relations (CSBLR) on a form prescribed by the CSBLR, available at:

A “substantial number of employees” “is pluralistic”. A single employee can hardly be “a substantial number of employees” under section 7-471(1)(A). Town of Winchester v. Connecticut St. Bd. of Labor, 402 A.2d 332 (Conn. 1978).

Deauthorization: Connecticut law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Delaware

Decertification: Delaware law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative pursuant to Delaware Statutes Title 19, section 1311(b): “a group of employees within the bargaining unit may file a petition with the Board for decertification of the exclusive bargaining representative. The petition must contain the uncoerced signatures of at least 30 percent of the employees within the bargaining unit and allege that the employee organization presently certified is no longer the choice of the majority of the employees in the bargaining unit. If a lawful collective bargaining agreement of no more than 3 years duration is in effect, no petition shall be entertained unless filed not more than 180 days nor less than 120 days prior to the expiration of such agreement. A decertification petition also may be filed if more than 1 year has elapsed from the date of certification of an exclusive bargaining representative and no collective bargaining agreement has been executed.” See the same language at 14 Delaware Code section 4011, for public school employees, and at 19 Delaware Code section 1611, for Police Officers and Firefighters. Employees may obtain a petition for a decertification election from the Delaware Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) at 820 N. French Street, 4th Floor, Wilmington, DE 19801. Telephone: (302) 577-5070.

Deauthorization: Delaware law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

District of Columbia

Decertification: District of Columbia law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative: “the Board shall issue rules and regulations which provide procedures for decertification of exclusive representatives upon the request of 30 percent of the employees.” District of Columbia Code section 1-617.10. A petition for decertification filed by an employee shall be accompanied by a showing that at least thirty percent (30%) of the employees in the bargaining unit no longer desire to be represented by the exclusive representative. Such petitions must be presented to the District of Columbia Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), located at 717 14th Street, NW, 11th Floor, Washington, DC 20005. Telephone: (202) 727-1822. The rules explaining the procedures and petition contents required for filing include PERB Rules 505.1 through 505.3 and 505.8, and are available at: http://perb.dc.gov/. [11]
Click on Dispute Resolution (under Services); Certification and de-certification of labor organization as exclusive bargaining representative (Section 505) (under Bargaining Unit).

Deauthorization: District of Columbia law has no provision for deauthorization of a
public sector agency shop agreement.

Florida (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Florida law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “Any employee or group of employees which no longer desires to be represented by the certified bargaining agent may file with the commission a petition to revoke certification. The petition shall be accompanied by dated statements signed by at least 30 percent of the employees in the unit, indicating that such employees no longer desire to be represented for purposes of collective bargaining by the certified bargaining agent. The time of filing said petition shall be governed by the provisions of s[ection] 447.307(3)(d) relating to petitions for certification.” Florida Statutes Annotated section 447.308(1). A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Florida Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) on a form prescribed by PERC, available at:
http://perc.myflorida.com/forms/forms.aspx [12], (click on PERC Forms, Petition to Revoke Certification) accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. The Florida PERC did not have authority to decertify local union on basis that local had abandoned employees, represented by 12 years of inactivity. City of Boynton Beach v. State Pub. Employees Relations Comm’n, 543 So.2d 403 (Fla. Dist. Ct. App. 1989).

Hawaii

Decertification: Hawaii law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative pursuant to Hawaii Revised Statutes section 89-7, which states “[a] petition to decertify or to change the exclusive bargaining representative must be supported by fifty percent of employees in an appropriate bargaining unit, through verifiable written proof of the names and signatures of employees. Signatures of employees supporting such a petition must be obtained within two months of the date of the petition to be valid with the Board.” Hawaii Revised Statutes Annotated section 89-7(a). A petition for decertification must be filed with the Hawaii Labor Relations Board, 830 Punchbowl Street, Honolulu, HI 96813, on a form prescribed by the Board. Call (808) 586-8610.

Deauthorization: Hawaii law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Illinois

Decertification: Illinois law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “a public employee or group of public employees . . . demonstrat[e] that 30% of the public employees in an appropriate unit . . . assert[] that the labor organization which has been certified or is currently recognized by the public employer as bargaining representative is no longer the representative of the majority of public employees in the unit . . . .” Illinois Statutes Chapter 5, section 315/9.
Illinois law has a separate law which permits educational employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “an employee or group of employees or any labor organizations acting on their behalf alleging and presenting evidence that 30% or more of the employees in a bargaining unit wish to be represented for collective bargaining or that the labor organization which has been acting as the exclusive bargaining representative is no longer representative of a majority of the employees in the unit . . . .” Illinois Statutes Chapter 115, section 5/7.
Public employees (other than educational): A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Illinois Labor Relations Board (ILRB), on a form (Decertification Petition) prescribed by the ILRB, available at:
http://www2.state.il.us/ilrb/subsections/forms/index.asp [13], accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. ILRB rules covering decertification can be found at 80 Illinois Administrative Code sections 1210.60 and 1210.80. Educational employees: A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board (IELRB) on a form prescribed by the IELRB
http://www.state.il.us/agency/ielrb/pdf/represnt.pdf [14]

Deauthorization: Illinois law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Indiana

Decertification: Indiana law permits certified school employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “A petition may be filed by twenty percent (20%) of the school employees in any unit asserting that the designated exclusive representative is no longer the representative of the majority of school employees in the unit.” Indiana Code Annotated section 20-7.5-1-10(c)(3). A petition for decertification must be filed with the Indiana Educational Employee Relations Board at the Indiana Government Center, Suite N1049, 100 N. Senate Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46204, accompanied by a 20% showing of interest. For more information call (317) 232-9132.

Deauthorization: Indiana law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Iowa (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Iowa law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “The petition of a public employee shall allege that an employee organization which has been certified as the bargaining representative does not represent a majority of such public employees and that the petitioners do not want to be represented by an employee organization or seek certification of an employee organization.” Iowa Code Annotated sections 20.14.3 and 20.14.5(a). A petition for decertification election must be obtained and filed at the Iowa Public Employment Relations Board, 514 E. Locust, Suite 202, Des Moines, IA 50309, accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. Rules covering decertification, including when such a petition may be filed are available at Iowa Code Annotated section 20.15.6. For more information call (515) 281-4414.

Kansas (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Kansas law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. The Kansas Public Employment Relations Board “is authorized to hold elections to determine whether . . . a recognized employee organization should be decertified” when 30% or more of the employees in a bargaining unit petition for a decertification election. However, any petition calling for such an election “shall be dismissed by the board without determining the questions raised therein if such petition is filed more than 150 days or less than 90 days prior to the expiration date of an existing memorandum of agreement which governs the terms and conditions of employment of the employees within the appropriate unit.” Kansas Statutes Annotated section 75-4327(d). A petition for decertification can be obtained and filed at the Kansas Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), 1430 Topeka Blvd., Topeka, KS 66012. Telephone (785) 368-6224. See Kansas Administrative Regulations section 84-2-7 for PERB’s rule covering decertification of a public employee organization.

Kentucky

Decertification: Kentucky law permits firefighters to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “a firefighter or group of firefighters . . . [a]ssert that the labor organization which has been certified or is currently being recognized by the public employer as bargaining representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the unit . . . .” Kentucky Revised Statutes section 345.060. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Kentucky State Labor Relations Board, Cabinet of Employment Standards and Mediation , 1047 U.S. Highway 127 South, Suite 4, Frankfort, KY 40601. Telephone (502) 564-2784.

Deauthorization: Kentucky law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Maine

Decertification: Maine law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if 30% of the employees in a bargaining unit petition for decertification. Maine Revised Statutes Annotated Title 26, section 967 (municipal employees); Maine Revised Statutes Annotated Title 26, section 979-F (state employees); Maine Revised Statutes Annotated Title 26, section 1025 (University of Maine employees); Maine Revised Statutes Annotated, Title 26 section 1287 (judicial employees). These statutes are available at:

A petition for a decertification election may be obtained and filed at the Maine Labor Relations Board on a form available at:
For rules covering decertification, including when such a petition may be filed, see MLRB’s Rules and Procedures Chapter 11, sections 41 through 58, available at:
http://janus.state.me.us/mlrb/MLRB2001Rules.pdf [19]

Deauthorization: Maine law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Maryland

Decertification: Maryland law permits higher education employees (non-faculty) to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative . A “bargaining unit employee may file a decertification petition with the Board requesting an election to determine if the incumbent certified exclusive representative of the bargaining unit does, in fact, continue to represent a majority of the employees in the bargaining unit.” Code of Maryland Regulations section 14.30.04.11. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the State Higher Education Labor Relations Board, 839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400, Annapolis, MD 21401. Telephone: 410-260-3216. The State Higher Education Labor Relations Board has a website:

Maryland law also permits employees of departments within the Executive Branch (i.e., Insurance Administration, State Department of Assessments and Taxation, and the State Lottery Agency) to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative:
“The mediation unit of the Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation shall . . . [m]ake determinations regarding certification and decertification of exclusive bargaining representative.” Code of Maryland Regulations section 01.01.1996.13. A petition for a decertification election must be filed with the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation; Mediation Unit, 1110 North Eutaw Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. The website is: http://dllr.state.md.us [20]

Deauthorization: Maryland law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Massachusetts

Decertification: Massachusetts law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative when “a petition filed by or on behalf of a substantial number of the employees in a unit alleg[es] that the exclusive representative therefor no longer represents a majority of the employees therein, shall investigate, and if it has reasonable cause to believe that a substantial question of representation exists, shall provide for an appropriate hearing upon due notice. General Laws of Massachusetts, Chapter 150E section 4, available at: http://www.state.ma.us/legis/laws/mgl/150E-4.htm [21].
A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Massachusetts Labor Relations Commission (MLRC) on a form prescribed by the Commission, available at:
http://www.mass.gov/lrc/forms/petition.pdf [22].

The MLRC’s regulations covering decertification when a petition is filed by a “substantial number of employees” are at 456 Code of Massachusetts Regulations section 14.04, and is available at: http://www.mass.gov/lrc/regulations/456-cmr-14.html#04 [23].

Deauthorization: Massachusetts law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Michigan

Decertification: Michigan law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “a public employee or group of public employees . . . alleg[es] that 30% or more of the public employees within a unit . . . assert that the individual or labor organization, which is certified or is being currently recognized by their public employer as the bargaining representative, is no longer a [majority] representative.” Mich. Compiled Laws Annotated section 423.212. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Michigan Employment Relations Commission (MERC) on a form prescribed by the Commission, available at:
http://www.michigan.gov/cis/0,1607,7-154-10576_17484---,00.html [24] (click on Petition for Representation Proceedings), accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. For rules covering decertification, including when such a petition may be filed, see MERC rules 423.141 and 423.145.

The petition or cards signed by bargaining unit employees to establish the 30% must state that they “no longer consider the certified bargaining unit representative as their representative,” not just that they request an election. Hepler v. State Dept. of Labor, 235 N.W.2d 161 (Mich. Ct. App. 1975).

Deauthorization: Michigan law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Minnesota

Decertification: Minnesota law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative: “[a]n individual employee or group of employees in a unit may obtain a decertification election upon petition to the commissioner stating the certified representative no longer represents the majority of the employees in an established unit and that at least 30 percent of the employees wish to be unrepresented.” Minnesota Statutes Annotated section 179A.12, subd. 3. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Minnesota Bureau of Mediation Services (BMS) on a form prescribed by the Bureau, available at:
http://www.bms.state.mn.us/forms/petition%20for%20represent.pdf [25]
and accompanied by valid deauthorization cards signed and dated by at least 30% of the employees included within the appropriate unit (see sample at the above BMS link).
http://www.bms.state.mn.us/decertinfo.html [26]

Deauthorization: Minnesota law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Missouri

Decertification: Missouri law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative: “[a] petition for decertification of public employee representative may be filed by any employee or group of employees or any individual acting on their behalf alleging that the certified or currently voluntarily recognized employee representative is no longer the majority representative of such employees.” 8 Missouri Code of State Regulations section 40-2.020. A petition for decertification election must be presented to the Missouri State Board of Mediation on a form prescribed by the Board, available at: http://www.dolir.state.mo.us/sbm/06-AI.pdf [27]
and accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. The rules covering decertification are 8 Missouri Code of State Regulations sections 40-2.020 and 40-2.040, available at:
http://www.sos.mo.gov/adrules/csr/current/8csr/8c40-2.pdf [28].

Deauthorization: Missouri law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Montana

Decertification: Montana law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if a petition has been filed: “by an employee or group of employees . . . alleging that 30% of the employees . . . assert that the labor organization which has been certified or is currently being recognized by the public employer as bargaining representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the unit,” and if “[t]he board or an agent of the board . . . has reasonable cause to believe that a question of representation exists, it shall provide for an appropriate hearing . . . in accordance with such rules as may be prescribed by the board . . . .” Montana Code Annotated section 39-31-207. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Montana Board of Personnel Appeals, on a form prescribed by the Board, available at:
http://erd.dli.state.mt.us/laborstandard/wagehrbpa.asp [29] (click on “Board of Personnel Appeals Forms” then “Decertification”) and accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. See Montana Administrative Rules 24.26.643--645, 647 and 649, which detail the Board’s rules covering decertification, including when such a petition may be filed. The Board of Personnel Appeals may refuse to hold a decertification election if unfair labor practice charges are pending against the employer. State ex rel. Bd. of Personnel Appeals v. District Court, 183 Mont. 223, 598 P.2d 1117 (1979).

Deauthorization: Montana law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Nebraska (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Nebraska law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative: “[t]he commission shall determine questions of representation for purposes of collective bargaining for and on behalf of employees and shall make rules and regulations for the conduct of elections to determine the exclusive collective-bargaining agent for employees, except that in no event shall a contract between an employer and an exclusive collective-bargaining agent act as a bar for more than three years to any other party seeking to represent employees, nor shall any contract bar for more than three years a petition by employees seeking an election to revoke the authority of an agent to represent them.” Nebraska Revised Statutes section 48-838. The petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations according to Rule 9 of the Rules of the Commission of Industrial Relations, available at:
http://www.nol.org/home/NCIR/rules/ShowFrame.cgi?09.rules++ [30], and accompanied by a 30% showing of interest, according to Rule 10 of the Rules of the Nebraska Commission of Industrial Relations, available at:

Decertification: New Hampshire law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “a petition is filed by [a]t least 30 percent of the employees in the bargaining unit . . . asserting that the employee organization which has been certified by the board is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the bargaining unit.” New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated section 273-A:10. An identical provision pertains to dog and horse racing employees, see New Hampshire Revised Statutes Annotated section 273-C:10. The petition for a decertification election must be presented to the New Hampshire Public Employee Labor Relations Board (PELRB) on a form prescribed by the Board, available at: (click on “Petiition for Decerti..”) accompanied by a 30% showing of interest by employees who have signed a decertification signature card, available at: http://www.state.nh.us/pelrb/Forms/ [31] (Click on
“Decertification sign..”). For additional information on decertification, see PELRB’s website at: http://www.state.nh.us/pelrb/about.htm [32] (click on “Decertification Petition”).

Deauthorization: New Hampshire law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

New Jersey

Decertification: New Jersey law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if there is “a showing of interest of not less than 30 per cent of the employees in the unit in which an exclusive representative has been recognized or certified. A showing of interest shall indicate that the employees no longer desire to be represented for purposes of collective negotiations by the recognized or certified employee representative or by any other employee representative.” New Jersey Administrative Code section 19:11-1.3. A petition for decertification must be presented to the New Jersey Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) on a form prescribed by the Commission, available at:
http://www.state.nj.us/perc/NJ_PERC_Representation_Petition.pdf [33], accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. PERC’s rules covering decertification are available at:
http://www.state.nj.us/perc/njac19_11.pdf [34].
For one year after certification of a majority representative, its majority status is conclusively presumed so as to bar the filing of any petition . . . seeking decertification of the present one. Galloway Township Bd. of Educ. v. Galloway Township Ass’n of Educational Secretaries, 78 N.J. 1, 393 A.2d 207 (1978).

Deauthorization: New Jersey law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

New Mexico

Decertification: New Mexico law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “thirty percent of the public employees in the appropriate bargaining unit make a written request to the board or local board . . ..” New Mexico Statutes Annotated section 10-7E-16(A). A decertification election will be valid if forty percent of the eligible employees in the bargaining unit vote in the election. New Mexico Statutes Annotated section 10-7E-16 (A) . A written request for a decertification election must be presented to either a local board if it exists or the New Mexico Public Employee Labor Relations Board at 2929 Coors N.W., Suite 303, Albuquerque, NM 87102. Telephone (505) 660-1338.

Deauthorization: New Mexico law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

New York

Decertification: New York law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative: “a petition alleging that an employee organization which has been certified or is being currently recognized should be deprived of representation status as to all or part of a unit (hereinafter called a petition for decertification), may be filed by one or more public employees . . . .” New York Civil Service Rules & Regulations section 201.2. A decertification election petition must be presented to the New York Public Employment Relations Board (PERB) on a form prescribed by the Board, available at:
http://www.perb.state.ny.us/pdf/petitioncert_decert.pdf [35] and accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. PERB’s rules covering decertification, including when such a petition may be filed are New York Civil Service Rules & Regulations sections 201.3 & 201.5, available at:
http://www.perb.state.ny.us/PERBRules.asp#rep [36]. (click on “201 Determination of Representation Status Under Section 207 of the Act”.)

Deauthorization: New York law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Ohio

Decertification: Ohio law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “a petition is filed, in accordance with rules prescribed by the state employment relations board . . . [by] any employee or group of employees, or any individual or employee organization acting in their behalf, alleging that at least thirty per cent of the employees in an appropriate unit . . . assert[] that the designated exclusive representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the unit.” “[T]he board shall investigate the petition, and if it has reasonable cause to believe that a question of representation exists, provide for an appropriate hearing upon due notice to the parties.” Ohio Revised Code Annotated section 4117.07(A)(1). A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Ohio State Employment Relations Board (SERB) on a form prescribed by the Board, available at: http://www.serb.state.oh.us/pdf/forms/rep/PDE.pdf [37], accompanied by at least 50% showing of interest.

Deauthorization: Ohio law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Oklahoma (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Oklahoma law permits school employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. If “[i]n any February more than two (2) years after recognition of an organization pursuant to the provisions of this section and upon the receipt of a petition calling for discontinuation of representation signed by thirty-five percent (35%) of the employees eligible to be included in the unit, [then] a local board shall call an election to determine whether the members of a unit wish to discontinue being represented for bargaining.” Oklahoma Statutes Annotated Title 70, section 509.2.C.7. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the local board of education.

Oklahoma law permits police and firefighters to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative if “a petition is filed . . . alleging that thirty percent (30%) of the fire fighters or police officers in a municipality . . . assert that the designated exclusive employee representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the unit.” Oklahoma Statutes Annotated Title 11, section 51-103. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Oklahoma Public Employee Relations Board (PERB), accompanied by a 30% showing of interest, on forms available at: http://www.ok-perb.state.ok.us/decert_show_.htm [38]. PERB Rules 585:15-3-1 through 585:15-3-9, available at: http://www.ok-perb.state.ok.us/perb_rules.htm [39], cover decertification, including when to file such a petition.

Oregon

Decertification: Oregon law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative, if “[a]n employee or group of employees alleging that 30 percent of the employees assert that the designated exclusive representative is no longer the representative of the majority of employees in the unit.” Oregon Revised Statutes Annotated section 243.682. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Oregon Employment Relations Board (ERB), on a form prescribed by the Board, available at: http://www.erb.state.or.us/pdfs/repfm4e3.pdf [40] accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. ERB’s rules covering decertification are Oregon Administrative Rules 115-025-0000(c) and 115-025-0010(3), available at:
http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/number_index.html [41] (click on “115 Employment Relations Board,” scroll and click on “Public Employee Representation”).

Deauthorization: Oregon law permits public employees to obtain an election to rescind a “fair share” agreement: “petition to rescind a fair share agreement in the collective bargaining agreement between a public employee and a labor organization may be filed by an employee or group of employees. The petition must be accompanied by a statement signed by 30 percent or more of the employees in the bargaining unit stating that they desire to rescind the fair share agreement. To be valid, signatures must be obtained after the subject collective bargaining agreement is enforceable under Oregon Revised Statutes Annotated sections 243.672(1)(h) and (2)(e) . . . .” Oregon Administrative Rule 115-030-0000. The same rule covers deauthorization, including when to file such a petition, and is available at: http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/rules/number_index.html [42] (click on “115 Employment Relations Board,” scroll and click on “Public Employee Deauthorization of Fair Share Agreement”).

Pennsylvania

Decertification: Pennsylvania law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “[A] public employe or a group of public employes may file a petition for decertification provided it is supported by a thirty per cent showing of interest.” Pennsylvania Statutes Annotated Title 43 section 1101.607. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board on either a form for public employees, available at:
http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/lib/landi/pdf/imc/pera4.pdf [43], or on a form for police & firefighters, available at: http://www.dli.state.pa.us/landi/lib/landi/pdf/imc/plrb13.pdf [44].

Deauthorization: Pennsylvania law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Rhode Island

Decertification: Rhode Island law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “[W]henever it is alleged by an employee or his or her representative that there is a question or controversy concerning the representation of employees, the board shall investigate the question or controversy. . . .” General Laws of Rhode Island Annotated section 28-7-16 . The Rhode Island Labor Relations Board Rules and Regulations section 8.06.1(a), Petition for Decertification, states: “[a] petition may be filed by either employees, an employer, or a rival labor organization to displace or decertify a certified or recognized labor organization.”

A petition for decertification election must be presented to the Rhode Island Labor Relations Board on a form prescribed by the Board, available at:
http://www.dlt.state.ri.us/webdev/lrb/index.htm [45] (click on “FORMS” then “Petition for the Investigation of Controversies as to Representation”), accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. The Board Rules and Regulations section 8.06.1(f) states: “[w]hen thirty (30) percent or more of the employees in a bargaining unit covered by an agreement between their employer and a labor organization requiring membership in a labor organization as a condition of employment file a petition alleging that they desire that the authority of the labor organization to make such an agreement be rescinded, the Board’s Agent shall conduct a secret ballot of the employees in such unit and certify the results . . . .”

Deauthorization: Rhode Island law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

South Dakota (Right to Work State)

Decertification: South Dakota law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “When a question concerning the representative of employees is raised by the . . . employees, the department of labor . . . shall, at the request of any of the parties, investigate such question and certify to the parties in writing, the name or names of the representatives that have been designated or selected. The filing of a petition for the investigation or certification of a representative of employees by any of the parties shall constitute a question within the meaning of this section. In any such investigation , the department may provide for an appropriate hearing, and shall take a secret ballot of employees to ascertain such representatives for the purposes of formal recognition.” South Dakota Codified Laws section 3-18-5. A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the South Dakota Department of Labor—Division of Labor and Management on a form available at:
http://www.state.sd.us/dol/Forms/decert.pdf [46]

Tennessee (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Tennessee law permits education professionals to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative when “the board of education and the recognized professional employees’ organization are presented with petitions bearing the signatures of a majority of the professional employees in the negotiating unit indicating they no longer desire to be represented by the recognized organization.” “[A]n election committee shall be established according to the provisions of section 49-5-605, and the election committee shall conduct a decertification election.” Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-5-607(a). The decertification petition must be presented to the board of education’s election committee who will conduct an election. Also, there appears to be a fee assessed when a decertification election is requested: “Those persons requesting a decertification election shall be assessed by the chair of the election committee an amount adequate to pay for conducting the election.” Tennessee Code Annotated section 49-5-607(c).

Vermont

Decertification: Vermont law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. If a petition is filed with the Vermont Labor Relations Board (VLRB) in accordance with procedures and regulations prescribed by the Board, wherein an employee alleges that the individual or employee organization currently certified as bargaining agent is no longer supported by a majority of the state employees in the bargaining unit, then the Board shall investigate and provide for a hearing. Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 3, section 941(c)(1) (state employees); Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 21, section 1581(a)(1)(B); Vermont Statutes Annotated Title 21, section 1724 (municipal employees). A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Board on a form prescribed by the Board, available at:
http://www.state.vt.us/vlrb/ [47] (see drop down menu) accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. The VLRB Rules of Practice covering decertification are sections 23.1, 23.4, 23.5, 23.6, available at: http://www.state.vt.us/vlrb/part2.htm [48].

Deauthorization: Vermont law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Washington

Decertification: Washington law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. When an employee seeking decertification of his/her exclusive bargaining representative presents evidence demonstrating that at least 30% of the employees in the bargaining unit are in support of the decertification petition, the Washington Public Employees Relations Commission (PERC) will conduct a secret ballot election. Washington Revised Code Annotated sections 41.76.020(3); 41.59.070(4). A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the PERC on a form prescribed by the Commission, available at:
http://www.perc.wa.gov/Forms/E1.pdf [49] accompanied by a 30% showing of interest. See Washington Administrative Code sections 391-25-070(6)(c); 391-25-010; and 391-25-030 for PERC rules covering decertification, including when to file such a petition.

Deauthorization: Washington law has no provision for deauthorization of a public sector agency shop agreement.

Wisconsin

Decertification: Wisconsin law permits public employees to obtain an election to decertify an exclusive bargaining representative. “If a petition is filed . . . for the discontinuance of existing representation indicating a showing of interest by 30% of the total number of employees . . . , the commission should hold an election . . . .” Wisconsin Statutes Annotated section 111.83(5)(h). A petition for a decertification election must be presented to the Wisconsin Employment Relations Commissions (WERC) on a form prescribed by the Commission available at: http://werc.wi.gov/werc-01.pdf [50] accompanied by a 30% showing of interest.

Deauthorization: Wisconsin law has a provision for deauthorizing a public sector maintenance of membership or “fair-share” agreement, “[a] petition must be supported by proof that at least 30% of the employees or supervisors in the collective bargaining unit desire that the fair-share or maintenance of membership agreement be discontinued. Upon so finding, the commission shall conduct a new referendum. . . If the continuation of the agreement is not supported in any referendum, it is deemed terminated at the termination of the collective bargaining agreement, or one year from the date of the certification of the result of the referendum, whichever is earlier.” Wisconsin Statutes Annotated section 111.85(2)(a).

Wyoming (Right to Work State)

Decertification: Wyoming law permits firefighters to withdraw recognition of their exclusive bargaining representative. “The organization selected by the majority of the fire fighters in any city, town or county shall be recognized as the sole and exclusive bargaining agent for all of the members of the department, unless and until recognition of such bargaining agent is withdrawn by vote of a majority of the fire fighters.” Wyoming Statutes Annotated section 27-10-103.