The card check is considered quicker and easier than holding elections.

Through card checks, 150,000 private-sector workers joined unions in 2005.

Critics of card checks say heavy-handed tactics are used in that process, too.

"If we had card check, we'd have a union right now."

I've never heard of a hunger strike for card checks.

Those who oppose card check argue it strips workers of their right to a secret ballot.

That's why I tell companies they should accept card checks.

They won't do anything negative," he said, "to stop us from going in there and doing a card check.

Another method, known as card check, is faster and more insulated from management.

In card check, workers authorize union representation when a majority sign cards asking for it.