CWA--Kicking ass and taking names.

I had no idea that the Communications Workers of America had such a prolific year organizing. 11,000 in one company is a damn good haul, and they should be very proud of the job they've done. They have organized more than half of all elligible employees at Cingular under their four national master contracts. That's a big deal--the telecommunications industry is obviously going better places than the manufacturing industry.

So good on you, CWA.

In other news, 5,000 janitors joined up with the Service Employees International Union this week. In Houston, of all places.

What do CWA and SEIU's victories have in common?

Card check. A simple process, whereby the employer agrees to remain neutral and recognize the union if a majority of employees sign union cards. This bypasses the traditional union election route, which is typically fraught with heavy-handed tactics by management. Under card check rules, employees simply sign the card to vote. That's it. A simple majority prevails, and usually the cards are 'certified' by an outside arbitrator.