To form a union, a group of workers must either:
have the employer voluntarily recognize them as a union;
or have a majority of workers in a bargaining unit vote for union representation.
In either case, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) must then certify the newly formed union.
Once the union is certified, the employer is legally required to bargain in good faith with the union. The employer must come to the bargaining table with an open mind and a sincere desire to discuss the issues. Both parties must try to reach a settlement through negotiations, and when the agreement is reached, they must sign a written contract, known as a collective bargaining agreement (CBA).