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-Dob- The truth of the matter is that the answer to your question depends on a few variables, namely: how many employees work at your facility in the same sort of general capacity as you?
Lemme explain: If an employer employs 15 truck drivers (for example), then at a minimum, 50% plus 1 (8 in this case) would have to vote yes in a union election. First though, the union would collect "authorization" cards which effectively allow them to bargain on your behalf. To get to the "election" phase, unions normally like to have no less than 70% of the eligible workers to have signed cards, although only 30% is required by law.
The problem is, though (again, using the 15 truck driver example), if the company also employed say 3 forklift drivers and 2 general warehouse guys, then they could argue to the NLRB that those employees should be considered as belonging to the bargaining unit, thus throwing off the necessary equation for election viability.
As far as "tech" employees go, I've worked with the SEIU on many occassions, and I've never dealt with anything but consumate professionals. They know their jobs, they know their workers, and they really care about what's best for the employees. While I'd usually "plug" my union, it's not really a traditional area for us, so in all honesty, the SEIU is really the way to go.
The first step is to contact a representative in your area to discuss your hopes and concerns with them. While they're usually pretty easy to find in the Yellow Pages, I'd be more than happy to help ya if you'd like - just send me a private message.
Don't let the caveat above regarding employers trying to alter the bargaining unit discourage you though, as the SEIU's more than capable of handling this sort of thing. I just thought it might be helpful to get a glimpse of the process ...
In any case, I wish you and your co-workers nothing but the best, as it's a tough but just road to workplace fairness. If I can help in any way, I'd be more than happy.
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