Patrick signs pro-union bill into law

MARLBOROUGH, Mass. --Gov. Deval Patrick has signed into law a bill that makes it easier for public sector employees to unionize.

The Democratic governor signed the so-called "Majority Authorization bill" before a friendly crowd at the AFL-CIO's 50th convention celebration.

It requires employers to recognize a union without an election once more than half its work force signs union cards.

Public sector employees can now unionize through a "card check" written option instead of the elections.

Patrick says the law "is about leveling the playing field between labor and management."

The Massachusetts legislation was modeled on the national Employee Free Choice Act, sponsored by Sen. Edward Kennedy. That legislation has failed to gain Senate approval.