Recognition of Web-Based and Electronically Recorded Sign-Ups. The Union will provide to the Employer verification that dues deductions have been authorized by the employee. Employees may express such authorization by submitting to the Union a written membership application form, through electronically recorded telephone calls, by submitting to the Union an online deduction form authorization, or by any other means of indicating agreement allowable under state and federal law. The parties acknowledge and agree that the term “written authorization” and any similar terms used in this Agreement includes authorizations created and maintained by use of electronic records and electronic signatures consistent with state and federal law. The Union, therefore, may use electronic records to verify Union membership, authorization for voluntary deduction of Union dues and fees from wages or payments for remittance to the Union, and authorization for voluntary deductions from wages or payments for remittance to COPE Funds, subject to the requirements of state and federal law. The Employer shall accept confirmations from the Union that the Union possesses electronic records of such membership and give full force and effect to such authorizations as “written authorization” for purposes of this Agreement.
