FBI agents arrested 10 members of the Ironworkers Local 401
union chapter Tuesday on charges they repeatedly used violent means to extort
contractors and muscle out competition from nonunion workers and other
organized labor groups.
Federal prosecutors allege Joseph Dougherty, the chapter's
leader and business manager, encouraged members to threaten and assault
contractors and their employees, damage construction equipment and commit
arsons, including a December 2012 fire that setback construction at the Quaker
Meeting House in Chestnut Hill.
Using a network of informers, the union allegedly kept tabs
on which construction projects used nonunion labor and dispatched a group of
members, referred to as "goon squads," to shakedown or threaten
contractors. One such group, according to a 49-page indictment, jokingly called
itself "The Helpful Union Guys," or "T.H.U.G.S."
"While unions have the right to legally advocate on
behalf of their members, my office will not tolerate the conduct of those who
use violence to further union goals," U.S. Attorney Zane David Memeger
said at a news conference announcing the arrests.
Union officials did not immediately return calls for comment
Tuesday morning.
Ironworkers Local 401 is a local union affiliated with the
International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing
Iron Workers. Their members work jobs including loading metal fixtures as well
as construction and repair of any part of a building made of metal.
Dougherty and his nine codefendants remain in custody
pending their initial appearances in federal court scheduled for Tuesday
afternoon.
Source: Philly.com
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