Final answer:
Union organizers gather authorization cards from well over 50 percent of the employees in a bargaining unit before petitioning the NLRB for a certification election to demonstrate strong employee support for unionization.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, union organizers usually gather authorization cards from well over 50 percent of the employees in a bargaining unit before petitioning the NLRB for a certification election because it demonstrates strong employee support for unionization. The authorization cards are signed by employees to indicate their desire to be represented by a union. By obtaining a significant number of authorization cards, the organizers can show the NLRB that there is sufficient interest among the employees to hold an election.
Gathering authorization cards from more than 50 percent of the employees is important because it helps ensure a successful unionization effort. If the union organizers can demonstrate majority support among the employees, they are more likely to win the certification election and be recognized as the official bargaining representative for the employees.
Moreover, having a strong showing of support through a large number of authorization cards can also serve as a deterrent to the employer's anti-union efforts. It shows that a significant portion of the workforce is in favor of unionization, which may discourage the employer from engaging in unfair labor practices or anti-union campaigns.