How Alliance Contract Ratification Works

Negotiations and Tentative Agreement

The Alliance Common Issues Committee (bargaining team) negotiates with management until the parties reach a tentative agreement.

Delegate Conference / Endorsement

The agreement is presented at a delegate conference, which is known as the Alliance Leadership Conference (ALC) to representatives (delegates) from each local union.

Delegates debate, ask questions, and then vote to endorse or reject the tentative agreement.

If delegates endorse it, the agreement moves forward to a full member ratification vote.

Member Ratification Vote

All members in the bargaining units are eligible to vote “Yes” or “No” on the tentative agreement.

Voting may be conducted via mail ballots, in-person ballots, or electronic voting (depending on union rules).

The union’s constitution/bylaws usually establish rules for quorum, majority thresholds, voting eligibility, deadlines, and handling of ballots.

After a successful ratification vote by union members and management approval, the contract becomes binding and goes into effect on the agreed date.

What If It Fails?

If the membership rejects the tentative agreement, the union returns to bargaining, may propose revisions, or escalate internal pressure to improve the offer. A new tentative agreement would typically return to the delegate conference and ratification process.