Ohio Right to Representation
The Ohio Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Act guarantees public employees the right to join or refrain from joining any employee organization (union) of their own choosing for the purpose of bargaining collectively with their public employer. O.R.C. 4117.03(A)(1).
What the Representation Section Does
The Representation Section investigates all matters involving:
- Employee organizations (unions) seeking to represent certain public employees.
- Public employees changing employee organizations (unions) as the exclusive representative.
- Public employees seeking to decertify the employee organization (union) as the exclusive representative.
- Public employers and/or employee organizations (unions) amending the existing bargaining unit.
- Public employers and/or employee organizations (unions) seeking clarification regarding an existing bargaining unit.
- The determination of the appropriate bargaining unit and/or the appropriate bargaining unit status of a position or classification.
The Section reviews and processes:
- Petitions for representation elections.
- Petitions for decertification elections.
- Requests for recognition petitions (request for voluntary recognition of a union by an employer).
- Petitions for amendment of certification.
- Petitions for clarification of existing bargaining units.
This Section also makes recommendations to the Board concerning the disposition of cases.
Top Resources
View additional articles related to the REP section.
What Should I Expect in the REP Process?
Learn what to expect in each step of the Representation process.
What is the Election Process?
Learn more about the union election process and what to expect.
Which REP Form Should I Use?
Find out which form to file to form a union, change or clarify the composition of a union, remove a union, or seek a Rebate Determination.
Are You A Public Employee or Employer?
Read the definitions of public employer and public employees to learn if SERB can help you.
Who are Public Employers?
Read about the types of public employers covered by SERB.
Who are Public Employees?
Read about the types of public employees covered by SERB.
Forms for Representation
All Representation forms can be viewed and downloaded.
Not sure which form to use?
Look through the Representation Forms FAQ.
Petition for Rep. Election - Employee Organization Form
Obtain SERB's Petition for Representation Election - Employee Organization Form.
Request for Recognition Form
Obtain SERB's Request for Recognition Form.
Petition for Amendment of Certification Form
Obtain SERB's Petition for Amendment of Certification Form.
Petition for Clarification of Bargaining Unit Form
Obtain SERB's Petition for Clarification of Bargaining Unit Form.
Petition for Decertification Election Form
Obtain SERB's Petition for Decertification Election Form.
Opt-In Petition for Rep. Election - Employee Organization Form
Obtain SERB's Opt-In Petition for Representation Election - Employee Organization Form.
Opt-In Request for Recognition Form
Obtain SERB's Opt-In Request for Recognition Form.
Objection to Request for Recognition Form
Obtain SERB's Objection to Request for Recognition Form.
Are you a public employee or employer?
Read this article to find out if SERB can help you, or find the right agency.
