Pub. Util. Code, § 98162.5

(a) Any question that may arise with respect to whether a majority of the employees in an appropriate unit desire to be represented by a labor organization shall be submitted to the director of the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service, a division within the Public Employment Relations Board.

(b) In resolving the questions of representation, including the determination of the appropriate unit or units, petitions, and the conduct of hearings and elections, the director shall apply the relevant federal law and administrative practice developed under the Labor Management Relations Act, 1947 (29 U.S.C. Sec. 141 et seq.), as amended, and for this purpose shall adopt appropriate rules and regulations. The rules and regulations shall be administered by the California State Mediation and Conciliation Service and shall provide for a prompt public hearing and a secret ballot election to determine the question of representation.