The AFL-CIO yesterday held a "town hall forum" at the Pittsburgh Hilton to press for passage of legislation that would require employers to recognize a union after a majority of workers sign cards authorizing union representation.

The legislation, known as the Employee Free Choice Act, also would provide for mediation and arbitration of first contract disputes and authorize stronger penalties for violations.

U.S. Rep. Mike Doyle, D-Swissvale, a co-sponsor of House bill 1696, lent his support, as did Morton Bahr, president of the Communications Workers of America, and Donald Siegel, an international vice president of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, among others.

Union members packed a hotel ballroom to hear several Comcast Corp. employees testify on the difficulties in organizing the cable company and achieving initial contracts.