Final answer:
The second step in the formation of a new local union in the United States is typically acquiring authorization from the national union, which differs from Canada's approach that requires workers to sign an official card.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question regarding the formation of a new local union concerns the steps involved in establishing a unionized workforce, specifically in the United States and Canada. In the context of the United States, the second step after announcing the intent to form a union and before holding an election or signing a collective bargaining agreement is typically obtaining authorization from the national union. This is because a union must have legal recognition and the support of a larger, national body that can provide resources and legitimacy. Moreover, the formation of unions differs between countries, with Canada, for instance, requiring a certain percentage of workers to sign an official card expressing their desire to unionize, without the need for a separate election date like in the U.S.