Airport Screeners Finally Have New, Long-Sought Title: Union Members

After a decade fighting for a voice on the job, 44,000 TSA screeners at 450 airports have joined the American Federation of Government Employees in what was the largest union election ever for federal workers.

The Transportation Security Administration's four previous directors had refused to recognize the workers' bargaining rights. Veto threats from then-President Bush thwarted efforts by Democrats to recognize the workers' rights through legislation.

But under President Obama, TSA head John Pistole agreed to grant screeners collective bargaining rights, triggering an April election in which 85 percent of workers voted for union representation. In a close election this week, they chose AFGE over the National Treasury Employees Union.

"We are obviously thrilled with the election results, but more importantly are delighted that the transportation security officers now will have the full union representation they rightly deserve," AFGE President John Gage said.