A signed authorization card is effectively a vote in favor of unionization. It's an official statement that someone wants to be represented by the union and intends to become a full union member after the union wins recognition and a first contract.

We still refer to these authorizations as "cards," because they're traditionally documents printed on cardstock. But the National Labor Relations Board now recognizes statements submitted electronically. Whether you've put physical ink on an actual card, or submitted a statement of authorization via this website, you have "signed a card" for purposes of organizing.

Authorization cards are confidential. Management will never see the cards, nor will they receive any lists of who signed. Under certain circumstances, the cards may be shown to a neutral third party for purposes of verifying that a majority of the employees have chosen union representation. In such a situation, the third party shares no information with the company except whether or not the union has achieved majority status.

Because a signed card is effectively a vote to organize, you shouldn't sign a card if your mind is not yet made up about whether you want a union at VICE. If you're unsure, spend some time thinking about it, talking it over with colleagues, and asking questions of union organizers before you decide.