The booklet opens with a description of the hypothetical union's (Pin Makers Union of America) national constitution and an abbreviated sample of a typical union constitution in the manufacturing industry. The second chapter explains the authorization card, which is signed by each worker in a nonunion plant who wishes to be represented by a particular union. A sample of the authorization card is provided. The next chapter proceeds to an explanation of the petition for election, which is filed by a union when a company questions whether there is sufficient employee support for representation by a union. The booklet includes a standard National Labor Relations form used in a petition for election. Four chapters cover explanations, documents, and forms pertaining to the notice of election, an unfair labor practice charge regarding the employer's use of coercion to influence the election, the judge's decision in the case, and the procedure for ballot tally and certification. A sample collective bargaining agreement is provided in one chapter, and a sample local union charter is provided in another chapter. The concluding chapter presents a hypothetical report of an arbitrator's opinion and award in a disputed employee discharge. Discussion questions are provided at the end of the booklet.