Accretion refers to the process in which a group of employees is added to an existing bargaining unit without any formal election. This addition occurs automatically, by operation of law, when employees are transferred to a new employer that is already represented by a union. As a result, these employees become part of the existing bargaining unit and gain a new exclusive representative.
Accretion is commonly used in labor law, particularly in the context of union representation and collective bargaining. It is relevant in situations where employees change employers, and their rights to union representation may be affected. Users can manage related legal processes using templates from US Legal Forms, which provide resources for navigating employment law matters.
Here are a couple of examples of abatement:
(Hypothetical example) A group of factory workers is acquired by a larger manufacturing company that has an established union. Because the new employer already has a union, the transferred workers automatically become part of that union without needing a vote.
Examples of state differences (not exhaustive):
| State | Notes |
|---|---|
| California | Accretion is recognized under state labor laws, often requiring a review of the bargaining unit. |
| New York | Similar to federal law, but may have specific local regulations regarding union representation. |
| Texas | Accretion is less common due to right-to-work laws, which may affect union dynamics. |
This is not a complete list. State laws vary, and users should consult local rules for specific guidance.
| Term | Definition | Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Accretion | Addition of employees to an existing bargaining unit without an election. | Occurs automatically by law. |
| Accreditation | Formal recognition that an organization meets certain standards. | Involves a process and evaluation, unlike accretion. |
| Union Representation | Legal right of employees to have a union represent them. | Union representation can exist without accretion. |
If you are an employee who has been transferred and believe accretion applies to you, consider the following steps:
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Accretion occurs automatically when employees are transferred to a new employer that has an existing union, without the need for a vote.