Judge allows transportation union rule change (easier for unions to organize airlines and railroads)

[Omaha Steve]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_UNION_ORGANIZING?SITE=MIDTN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Jun 25, 5:37 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A federal court judge is upholding a rule change that will make it easier for unions to organize at Delta and other airlines and railroads.

Last month the National Mediation Board said it would recognize a union if a simple majority of workers vote for it. The old rule required a majority of the entire work force, including nonvoters. That meant that people who didn't vote counted as a vote against the union.

Airlines have fought the change. Their trade group, the Air Transport Association, claimed the federal board didn't have the legal authority to change the rule. It's especially important for Delta Air Lines Inc., which is mostly nonunion.

The Air Transport Association says it has not decided whether to appeal Friday's ruling.