The parent organization of Philadelphia's embattled
ironworkers union has chosen New Jersey Senate President Stephen M. Sweeney to
oversee operations, after the arrest last week of several top leaders on
federal racketeering charges.
According to an internal memo obtained Monday by The
Inquirer, Sweeney, a Democrat, was appointed administrator of Ironworkers Local
401 on Wednesday and has assumed control of the union's day-to-day operations.
Ironworkers International, the local's parent organization,
removed all current leadership from office, pending financial and operational
reviews, the document said.
Sweeney, the son of a union boss, currently serves as
general vice president for Ironworkers International.
"We are focused completely on regaining the trust of
our business partners and the public here in Philadelphia - and on ensuring
that professionalism and ethical conduct are the driving force at Local No.
401," said Walter W. Wise, the organization's president.
Sweeney's appointment came in the wake of a sweeping federal
indictment that led to the arrest last week of 10 top officials, including
union chief Joseph Dougherty and business agent Edward Sweeney, who is not
related to the senator.
Prosecutors say the group waged a years-long campaign to
intimidate contractors with extortion, sabotage, and threats of violence. All
of the indicted union members have pleaded not guilty.
Source: Philly.com
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