Perhaps reflecting the vagaries of an up (hardly ever often) and down (depressingly so) economy, Comcast (Nasdaq: CMCSA) employees in Fall River and Fairhaven, Mass. have voluntarily signed union authorization cards requesting that IBEW Local 2322 represent them.
The move in a generally union-free cable industry reflects the new way in which workers are expressing their desire to unionize. Rather than going to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB)--which generally oversees these things but lacks the power to punish employers who treat unionizing employees harshly--the workers voluntarily signed authorization cards to make their wishes known. The certification took place at the Local 2322 union hall in Middleboro, Mass.
Comcast, too, can voluntarily recognize the union--or not. Politically speaking, it might be a good idea to do so, since the workers have the support of Congressman Stephen Lynch and Fall River Mayor William Flanagan.
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