The signing of an A-card is not a vote for a specific union. The A-card is not a vote for either the UTU or BLE&T Internationals. When you sign an a-card, you are expressing your interest in having a representation election between ACRE and either the UTU or BLE&T.

Only after a representational election has commenced, then you will decide which union you would like and want to represent you. Then you cast a vote for whichever union you choose.

If you are not pleased with your current representation, or are unsure, then you should sign an a-card. Only then can you hear from the previous International Unions as to what happened in the past and what they have to offer you in the future. ACRE will also have to explain their promises and actions in the past and what they have to offer you in the future. This also sends a direct message to the MTA.

As always, the process of signing an a-card and the representation election is completely confidential. The representation vote is handled through the National Mediation Board (NMB) in Washington. The only way that anyone in ACRE can find out if you have or have not signed an a-card, or how you voted in an election, is if you tell them.